| abstract |
An assay device comprising two at least partially opposing surfaces 1,2 that exhibit different surface energies or hydrophobicities and hydrophilicities where the difference in surface energy/hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity disrupts capillary laminar flow of a fluid travelling between the two surfaces. The two surfaces 1,2 may define at least one fluid flow pathway 5, and the device may comprise spacer elements that separate the two surfaces to create a capillary channel between them. The assay device may comprise an application area 4, an aperture for introduction of a fluid sample 9, and a vent port 10. The assay device may further comprise flow stop junctions 7 and a filter membrane 12. The fluid flow path way may comprise reagents such as ampipathic polymers, dyes, probes, enzymes, or ligand binding inhibitors, and particularly may comprise cholesterol esterase, cholesterol oxidase, and horseradish peroxidise. |