Quantitative lateral flow system and assay

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lateral flow assay and system, including a test strip, for detection and quantification of analytes in samples, such as samples containing cells and fluid. In general, according to the present invention, a test strip for a lateral flow assay for detection of at least one analyte in a sample comprises: (1) a chromatographic strip, a sample filter, a fluid-impermeable barrier, and means for providing a mobilizable detectable agent that is capable of binding to the at least one analyte or to the capture agent after capturing the analyte to the chromatographic strip such that the mobilizable detectable agent migrates through the chromatographic strip and contacts sample that has passed through the sample filter and also has migrated through the chromatographic strip. The test strip allows detection with or without quantitation of an analyte in a sample containing whole cells.

1 - 113 . (canceled) 
     
     
         114 . An apparatus for performing an assay for detecting or determining an analyte on a test strip, the apparatus comprising:
 (a) at least two bays, each bay holding a cassette;   (b) a sensor that detects addition of liquid to a first port, Port- 1 , and a second port, Port- 2 , of the cassette inserted into each bay;   (c) a means for controlling temperature of the cassette held in each bay; and   (d) a means for detecting or determining the analyte present on each test strip of each cassette.   
     
     
         115 . The apparatus of  claim 114 , wherein the apparatus performs multiple tests simultaneously. 
     
     
         116 . The apparatus of  claim 114 , wherein the apparatus further comprises two or more detection modules for detecting different kinds of labels.