Three-dimensional vertical hydration/dehydration sensor

An absorbent article comprising:

• an inner liner, an absorbent core, an outer cover, and at least one three-dimensional fluidic assay device that spans said inner liner through said absorbent core to said outer cover;
• said fluidic assay device having a first face oriented toward said inner liner, said first face having a sample deposition zone, said fluidic assay device further having a second face oriented away from said absorbent core toward said outer cover, said second face having a detection zone and a control zone observable from outside of said outer cover;
• and a buffer zone is situated between said first and second faces.

A fluidic assay device for monitoring relative hydration levels in a person, the device comprising:

• a porous body with a first planar surface and a second planar surface remote from and oriented either at an angle to or substantially parallel with said first planar surface;
• said first face having a sample deposition zone, said second planar surface having at least one detection zone and optionally a control zone, such that when a sample is deposited in said sample deposition zone, fluid is transported by means of capillary action from said first planar surface to said second planar surface through said porous body to said detection zone and manifests a signal development, and said device is integrated as a part of an absorbent article, spanning from an inner liner, across an absorbent core, to an outer cover