How lateral flow tests work

1. A sample is added

to test for a target molecule, such as a Covid-19 antigen. It is drawn through the test by a capillary action

2. The test contains gold nanoparticles, connected to specific antibodies, which

bind to the target molecules, if present

3. The test line contains the same antibodies, they bind to the molecule complex, locking them in place, causing a colour change

4. The control line captures all antibodies, regardless of whether they are attached to the target. It confirms the test is functioning

1. A sample is added to test for a target molecule, such as a Covid-19 antigen. It is drawn through the test by a capillary action

2. The test contains gold nanoparticles, connected to specific antibodies, which bind to the target molecules, if present

3. The test line contains the same antibodies, they bind to the molecule complex, locking them in place, causing a colour change

4. The control line captures all antibodies, regardless of whether they are attached to the target. It confirms the test is functioning

1. A sample is added to test for a target molecule, such as a Covid-19 antigen. It is drawn through the test by a capillary action

2. The test contains gold nanoparticles, connected to specific antibodies, which bind to the target molecules, if present

3. The test line contains the same antibodies, they bind to the molecule complex, locking them in place, causing a colour change

4. The control line captures all antibodies, regardless of whether they are attached to the target. It confirms the test is functioning

1. A sample is added

to test for a target molecule, such as a Covid-19 antigen. It is drawn through the test by a capillary action

2. The test contains gold nanoparticles, connected to specific antibodies, which

bind to the target molecules, if present

3. The test line contains the same antibodies, they bind to the molecule complex, locking them in place, causing a colour change

4. The control line captures all antibodies, regardless of whether they are attached to the target. It confirms the test is functioning

capillary action