Lateral flow device (test strip)

Test strips or LFD devices are a rapid immunochromatographic technique. They are used as a disposable format device for qualitative allergen detection tests.

Typical test strips are colorimetric tests, containing 2 lines, a control line that ensures the validity of the measurement and a test line, which reports the presence or absence of the target allergen.

This type of test was used for rapid analysis, usually performed on site, to confirm the absence of allergens. The cost of LFD tests is lower than that of ELISA assays, but they have the disadvantage that they only provide yes or no answers.

Another disadvantage is that results sometimes vary depending on the LFD lot used. It is