Colloidal Gold Lateral Flow Immunoassay

What it is

Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is the technology behind rapid diagnostic tests — a paper-based strip that detects a target analyte via labeled antibodies and capillary flow, producing a visible line within minutes.

How it works

A sample is applied to the sample pad and migrates by capillary action through the conjugate pad (where colloidal-gold–labeled antibodies bind the analyte), along the nitrocellulose membrane (where the test and control lines are immobilized), and into the absorbent pad. A visible test line forms when the labeled complex is captured.

Why it matters

It is instrument-free, room-temperature-stable and read by eye — the basis for point-of-care screening across infectious disease, cardiac markers and drug testing. Understanding the components is how buyers evaluate batch consistency and cut-off reliability.

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