Lab method
Lateral flow assay
Rapid immunochromatographic strip test
High-yield clue
A visible test line appearing beside a control line on a strip is the classic lateral flow (rapid antigen) readout.
Overview
A rapid immunochromatographic concept where sample wicks along a membrane strip and antigen or antibody is captured at a line of immobilized antibody, producing a visible colored band.
Classification
- Immunochromatographic assay
- Point-of-care format
- Qualitative result
- Antibody-antigen capture
Lab & identification clues
- Colored line indicates a positive result
- Control line confirms the test ran
- Fast turnaround, lower sensitivity vocabulary
- Home/point-of-care use framing
Associations
- Rapid antigen testing for respiratory viruses association
- Strep and malaria rapid test vocabulary
- Screening vs confirmation framing
Commonly confused with
- ELISA
- Immunofluorescence assay
Frequently asked questions
What is Lateral flow assay?
A rapid immunochromatographic concept where sample wicks along a membrane strip and antigen or antibody is captured at a line of immobilized antibody, producing a visible colored band.
What is the high-yield clue for Lateral flow assay?
A visible test line appearing beside a control line on a strip is the classic lateral flow (rapid antigen) readout.
What is Lateral flow assay associated with?
Lateral flow assay is associated with Rapid antigen testing for respiratory viruses association, Strep and malaria rapid test vocabulary, and Screening vs confirmation framing.
What is Lateral flow assay commonly confused with?
Lateral flow assay is commonly confused with ELISA and Immunofluorescence assay.
Original concept summary for coursework. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e and NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology; reviewed 2026-06. Describes vocabulary and interpretation concepts only; not a lab protocol and not for handling specimens or identifying patient isolates.