Vertical Flow Molecular Assay Apparatus

A vertical flow detection device comprising:

• a membrane having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface opposibly faces the second surface and the first and second surfaces are separated by a membrane thickness;
• a plurality of porous structures extending between the first and second surfaces to form fluid conduits from a first fluid chamber formed by the first surface and a second fluid chamber formed by the second fluid surface;
• a capture agent immobilized on the membrane first surface and/or internally in the membrane between the first and second membrane surfaces;
• a rigid porous membrane support positioned to mechanically support the membrane and to provide a relatively uniform flow across the membrane first surface exposed to said first fluid chamber during use;
• a gasket or fluid impermeable material positioned around an outer edge of the membrane;
• a holder to provide a tight-fit configuration with the membrane and gasket or fluid impermeable material to prevent fluid leakage around the membrane;
• and
• a flow device configured to force a fluid sample flow in a direction from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.