Back to Basics: Unraveling the Fundamentals of Lateral Flow Assays

BACKGROUND: Lateral flow assay (LFA) is a rapid analytical technique that has been implemented as a point-of-care approach for analyte detection. Given the rapid expansion of the use of LFA as a point-of-care testing strategy, LFA development has been subjected to extensive research, which has resulted in upgraded designs and technologies, improving levels of specificity and costs associated with manufacturing. This has allowed LFA to become an important option in rapid testing while maintaining appropriate limits of detection for accurate diagnoses. CONTENT: This review focuses on the theoretical basis of LFA, its components, formats, multiparametric possibilities, labels, and applications. Also, challenges associated with the technique and possible solutions are explored. SUMMARY: We explore LFA as a detection technique, its benefits, opportunities for improvement, and applications, and how challenges to its design can be approached.