Skip to content

Immunochromatographic strip (lateral-flow assay)

Definition

A single-use membrane device in which sample migrates by capillary action past a conjugate pad containing labelled antibody and a test line with capture antibody. A visible band at the test line indicates the presence of the target antigen. Results appear within 5 to 15 minutes without laboratory equipment.

Related terms

Cross-reactivity
The capacity of an antibody raised against one analyte to bind structurally related compounds. In RIA, cross-reactivity is the main driver of...
DNA barcoding
Species identification using a short, standardised region of the mitochondrial genome. For animals, the primary barcode marker is a 648-base-pair segment of...
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
A plate-based immunoassay format in which a target antigen is captured by an antibody bound to a solid surface, detected by a...
Monoclonal antibody (mAb)
An antibody produced by a single hybridoma clone, so that every molecule in the preparation is identical, targets the same epitope, and...
Precipitin test
A serological method in which an antiserum specific to one species' proteins is mixed with an extract of an unknown specimen. Formation...

Explained in

Your journey to becoming a forensic professional starts here.

Practice with mock tests, learn from structured notes, and get your questions answered by a global forensic community, all in one place.