Method and apparatus for performing a lateral flow assay

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for performing a lateral flow assay. The method includes depositing a sample on a test strip at an application region, detecting a first detection signal arising from the test strip in the first detection zone, and generating a baseline for the first measurement zone by interpolating between values of the detection signal outside of the first measurement zone and inside of the first detection zone. The method may include locating a beginning boundary and an ending boundary for the first measurement zone on the test strip. Additional detection zones having measurement zones may also be incorporated with the embodiment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of determining the addition of a sample to a test strip comprising:
 (i) inserting said test strip into an apparatus for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample, wherein said apparatus comprises a capacitor, wherein said test strip is aligned such that it forms a portion of the dielectric layer between said capacitor;   (ii) detecting a change in capacitance of said capacitor,   
       wherein a change in capacitance indicates the addition of said sample to said test strip. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said addition of said sample is determined automatically by said apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said capacitor comprises a first pad and a second pad, wherein said second pad is spaced apart from said first pad, and wherein said first and said second pad each form a capacitor plate. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said capacitor comprises a pair of co-planar plates. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said test strip is in close proximity to said first and said second pad. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said test strip comprises a region to which said sample may be added, wherein said region is spaced apart from said first and said second pad.