Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs) - A
Deep Dive
Comprehensive Analysis
Presented by: Shantanu Tiwari
Affiliation: [Your Institution]
Introduction
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• Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs) are rapid, point-of-
care diagnostic tools.
• Used in medical diagnostics, food safety, and
environmental testing.
• Examples: Pregnancy tests, COVID-19 antigen
tests, drug screening.
Principle of LFA
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• LFAs work based on capillary action and
antibody-antigen interactions.
• A labeled antibody binds to the target analyte,
forming a complex.
• This complex travels along a membrane and
interacts at the test line.
• A visible signal is generated if the analyte is
present.
Key Components of an LFA Strip
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• Sample Pad: Absorbs and distributes the
sample.
• Conjugate Pad: Contains labeled antibodies for
detection.
• Nitrocellulose Membrane: Houses test &
control lines.
• Absorbent Pad: Wicks excess fluid away to
maintain flow.
Types of LFAs
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• Sandwich Assay: Used for large analytes like
proteins and viruses.
• Competitive Assay: Suitable for small
molecules like drugs and hormones.
• Multiplex LFAs: Capable of detecting multiple
analytes in a single test.
How LFAs Work - Step-by-Step
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• Sample is applied to the strip.
• The liquid migrates via capillary action.
• Labeled antibodies bind to the target analyte.
• The complex reaches the test line, generating
a signal.
• Control line ensures test validity.
Applications of LFAs
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• Medical Diagnostics: Pregnancy tests, COVID-
19, HIV, cardiac biomarkers.
• Food Safety: Detection of allergens, toxins,
and contaminants.
• Drug Testing: Rapid detection of illicit drug
metabolites.
• Veterinary Medicine: Detection of animal
diseases.
Advantages & Limitations
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• ✅ Rapid results within minutes.
• ✅ Cost-effective and easy to use.
• ✅ Portable for point-of-care testing.
• ❌ Lower sensitivity than lab-based tests.
• ❌ Potential for false positives/negatives.
• ❌ Limited quantitative measurement.
Future Prospects in LFA Technology
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• Nanotechnology-based enhancements (gold
nanoparticles, quantum dots).
• Smartphone-integrated readers for improved
accuracy.
• CRISPR-based LFAs for high-sensitivity genetic
testing.
• AI-driven analysis for better interpretation.
Conclusion
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• LFAs play a crucial role in rapid diagnostics.
• They are widely used in healthcare, food
safety, and drug testing.
• Future advancements will improve sensitivity
and accuracy.
• Their affordability and ease of use will ensure
continued adoption.
References
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• WHO reports on lateral flow diagnostics.
• Research papers from NIH and scientific
journals.
• Recent advancements in LFA technology.
Q&A
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• Open for questions and discussions.