Lateral Flow Assays Crucial Things to Understand

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are frequently used in clinics and veterinary hospitals to qualitatively validate the presence of microorganisms (antigens) that cause disease or for the identification of their antibodies. These test platforms have grown in popularity because they are easy enough for non-specialized staff to operate, easy to use, and provide quick turnaround times for assays. This blog is intended to offer a broad explanation of lateral flow assays.

The prevalence of infectious illnesses is increasing, and there is a growing need for fast diagnostic testing. Consequently, it is predicted to accelerate market expansion. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Global Lateral Flow Assay Market is likely to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the projection period from 2023 to 2031.

The principles of lateral flow assay

LFAs are straightforward to operate, but their design is intricate and calls for a variety of solid materials and specialized biological reagents. All that is necessary is to add the sample and a suitable buffer to the plastic cartridge that contains the test’s responding chemicals. LFA technology is based on two concepts: the capillary flow of fluids via strips of porous materials and biochemical antigen-antibody interactions.

Tests now have higher sensitivity and repeatability due to the development of LFA procedures. Additionally, tests are made to find numerous targets in one test. Multiplex test cassettes display the outcomes for each target as either the same control line with consecutive test lines or in a matrix style, where numerous test strips are included within the cassette, one strip for each target.

Test types of lateral flow in general

LFAs can be used to find either antibodies or antigens in biological specimens and come on two different platforms. A wide range of biological specimens are used, depending on the assay. Unlike antibody detection LFAs, which commonly employ EDTA-treated whole blood, plasma, or serum, antigen detection tests focus on the organs that are likely that hold the pathogen (saliva, urine, plasma/serum, feces, and other tissues).

Benefits and Drawbacks of LFAS

Lateral flow tests play a key role in the diagnosis when paired with the outcomes of anamnesis, physical examination, and a typical panel of hematology and biochemistry testing.

Antigen LFAs are excellent for early screening and can help with hasty therapy choices. 

Results can help inform treatment decisions by confirming the presence or lack of a target pathogen.

Antibody-identifying LFAs may not be able to detect active disease, but they should be utilized in the post-acute phase following disease to more precisely pinpoint the pathogen that caused the sickness, for ongoing disease management, and for determining the disease’s stage.

Lateral flow assays have inherent sensitivity limitations like other in vitro diagnostic procedures. Their accuracy depends on using the right tissue sample and executing the test at the right point in the disease. The digestive system is the target of pathogens such as feline coronavirus and canine, parvovirus, and giardia duodenalis, which are occasionally shed in feces throughout the disease phase.

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