Synthetic thread based lateral flow immunoassay

A system for performing an immunofluorescent assay on a sample comprising:

• a lateral flow immunoassay device comprising one or more synthetic polymer threads, wherein the one or more synthetic polymer threads each comprise at least:
• a sample loading zone,
• a detection zone comprising an immobilised capture reagent having affinity for a predetermined analyte in the sample, and
• optionally an intermediate zone disposed between the sample loading zone and the capture zone, wherein the one or more synthetic polymer threads are capable of carrying a fluid sample by capillary action from at least the sample loading zone to the detection zone;
• a fluorescent detection reagent for binding to a predetermined analyte in the sample to form a fluorescently labelled analyte, wherein the fluorescent detection reagent comprises fluorescently labelled microparticles associated, coordinated or linked to an analyte binding reagent that has affinity for a predetermined analyte in the sample;
• and
• a fluorescent excitation source and detector for use in detecting a predetermined analyte that is bound to the fluorescent detection reagent and immobilised in the detection zone of the device by the capture reagent.

A kit for performing an immunofluorescent assay on a sample comprising:

• a lateral flow immunoassay device comprising one or more synthetic polymer threads, wherein the one or more synthetic polymer threads each comprise at least:
• a sample loading zone,
• a detection zone comprising an immobilised capture reagent having affinity for a predetermined analyte in the sample, and
• optionally an intermediate zone disposed between the sample loading zone and the capture zone, wherein the one or more synthetic polymer threads are capable of carrying a fluid sample by capillary action from at least the sample loading zone to the detection zone;
• and
• a fluorescent detection reagent for binding to a predetermined analyte in the sample to form a fluorescently labelled analyte, wherein the fluorescent detection reagent comprises fluorescently labelled microparticles associated, coordinated or linked to an analyte binding reagent that has affinity for a predetermined analyte in the sample.