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Lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay

Definition

A rapid, single-use immunoassay format in which sample extract migrates along a nitrocellulose membrane past a detection zone loaded with antigen-specific antibody conjugated to colloidal gold. A visible coloured line forms at the test zone if the target antigen is present above the detection threshold.

Related terms

ABAcard p30
A lateral-flow immunochromatographic strip manufactured by Abacus Diagnostics and validated by the Scientific Working Group for DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) for forensic...
Azoospermia
The absence of spermatozoa from ejaculated semen, resulting from obstructive causes (vasectomy, ductal blockage) or non-obstructive causes (testicular failure). Azoospermic semen contains...
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...
HemaTrace ABAcard
A lateral-flow device from Abacus Diagnostics that uses an anti-human haemoglobin monoclonal antibody. It is the most widely validated immunological blood confirmatory...
Monoclonal antibody
An antibody produced from a single B-cell clone, recognising a single specific epitope. In forensic species identification, monoclonal antibodies offer higher specificity...
Prozone (hook) effect
A false-negative agglutination result caused by antibody excess. When antibody molecules outnumber antigen sites, each site is occupied by a single antibody...
PSA / p30
Prostate-specific antigen, a kallikrein-family serine protease secreted by prostatic epithelium. Present in seminal plasma at 0.5 to 2 mg/mL. The standard confirmatory...
RSID-Blood
Rapid Stain Identification of Blood, a lateral-flow strip from Independent Forensics that also targets human haemoglobin. Functionally equivalent to HemaTrace in principle;...
RSID-Saliva
Rapid Stain Identification of Saliva. An immunochromatographic lateral-flow assay using monoclonal antibodies specific to human salivary amylase. More specific than Phadebas, with...
Salivary alpha-amylase
An enzyme (EC 3.2.1.1) secreted by the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Digests starch and is present in saliva at concentrations of...

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