Lateral flow assay reader based on human perception and method relating thereto

A method for reading a lateral flow assay device by detecting color changes thereto based on human perception, the method being performed by a lateral flow assay reader, the assay reader having an optics module, a signal processor in electrical communication with the optics module, a storage memory in electrical communication with the signal processor and a comparator circuit in electrical communication with the signal processor, the optics module having at least one light source and a light detector, the at least one light source emitting light, the storage memory having stored therein a dataset of sample readings of reference assay devices similar in structure and function to that of the assay device read by the assay reader, the sample readings being based on human visual perceptions of colorimetric changes in the detection zones of the reference assay devices, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing the lateral flow assay device in optical proximity to the assay reader;
• directing light from the at least one light source of the optics module of the assay reader onto the detection zone of the assay device;
• receiving by the light detector of the optics module of the assay reader reflected or fluoresced light emanating from the detection zone of the assay device in response to the light directed thereon by the at least one light source;
• generating by the light detector an output signal in response to the received reflected or fluoresced light, the output signal being indicative of a colorimetric change in the detection zone of the assay device;
• receiving by the signal processor of the assay reader the output signal from the light detector;
• converting by the signal processor the output signal from the light detector into measured colorimetric data;
• comparing by the comparator circuit of the assay reader the measured colorimetric data relating to the assay device read by the assay reader with the dataset of sample readings based on human visual perceptions of the colorimetric changes of the reference assay devices stored in the storage memory of the assay reader;
• generating by the comparator circuit a comparison signal in response to comparing the measured colorimetric data with the stored dataset;
• receiving by the signal processor the comparison signal from the comparator circuit;
• and
• generating by the signal processor a determination signal in response to the received comparison signal indicative of the presence, absence or quantity of an analyte in the fluid sample tested by the assay device read by the assay reader.