Abstract

The sensitivity of visually read lateral flow immunoassay tests is enhanced by adding a small quantity of fluorescing dye or fluorescing latex bead conjugates to the initial conjugate material. When the visible spectrum test line is visibly present, the test result is observed and recorded. However, in the case where the result is indeterminate, a light of an appropriate spectrum, such as a UV, visible, or infrared spectrum, is cast on the test line to excite and fluoresce the fluorescing latex beads which are bound in the test line in true positive tests to enhance the visible color at the test line.