Abstract: Provided is sampling and testing device for the detection of specific molds, allergens, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other protein containing substances. Embodiments of the device include a sampling member slideably engaged with a base that contains a lateral flow strip adapted to detect specific analytes of interest. The sampling member defines a solvent reservoir that stores an elution solvent in a fluid-tight manner before the device is used to sample and test environmental surfaces. During slideable withdrawal of the sampling member from the base, the elution solvent stored in the reservoir is automatically released to a wick assembly of the sampling member. The wick assembly includes a wick adapted to receive, distribute, and retain the elution solvent. After a user samples an environmental surface for an analyte of interest with the elution solvent wetted wick, the sampling member is returned to the base where the wick contacts the lateral flow strip contained in the base.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method for performing an antibody-antigen assay using an ion-exchange technique prior to performing an antibody-antigen assay. Actives from protein-denaturing solutions are physically removed from the test sample, preferably by using an ion-exchange resin. The present invention also includes a method of performing an antibody-antigen assay, which does not use coating antibody on the sample holder. These methods for removing or eliminating interferences can be used in an ELISA to more effectively, efficiently and promptly screen formulations containing protein-denaturing compounds for efficacy against proteins in common allergens and detect and quantify such proteins.