Diagnostic test carrier with a capillary gap

A method of using a diagnostic test carrier comprising a supporting layer;

• a detection layer arranged on the supporting layer, said detection layer carrying reagents, and an inert layer covering and extending beyond the detection layer onto the supporting layer, to which said inert layer is attached, wherein the inert layer contains at least one hole in the area of the inert layer covering the detection layer, through which at least one hole a liquid sample containing analytes to be detected is applied to the detection layer, wherein the inert layer is spaced from the detection layer at a distance which allows a capillary liquid transport between the detection layer and the inert layer, and wherein the inert layer is spaced from the supporting layer at a distance such that a capillary liquid transport between the inert layer and the supporting layer is also possible, comprising
• passing the liquid sample through the inert layer to the diagnostic layer, with removal of excess liquid through capillary action, to produce a detectable signal in the diagnostic layer from reaction of the liquid sample with the reagents in the diagnostic layer;
• and
• detecting the signal.

A diagnostic test carrier, comprising

• a supporting layer;
• a detection layer means, arranged on the supporting layer, for determining an analyte in a liquid sample;
• and
• an inert layer means, spaced on the supporting layer and on the detection layer means, for holding the test carrier components together, for allowing transport therethrough from the exterior of the test carrier to the detection layer, and for defining a capillary space between the inert layer means and the detection layer means and between the inert layer means and the supporting layer, wherein excess liquid is removed through the capillary space by capillary action.