Abstract: A diagnostic device for analysing properties of an analyte in a sample liquid including: a distribution zone having at least two hydrophilic layers placed one on top of the other, wherein one layer is a top layer (12) and the other is a bottom layer (13); and a detection zone located under the distribution zone, the detection zone having a detection layer (14), wherein: the top layer has one or more openings (15) through which the sample liquid is introduced into the device; the bottom layer having one or more openings (16) connecting the distribution zone to the detection zone; the bottom layer also having a means by which the sample liquid is distributed from the top layer's opening to the detection layer through the bottom layer's opening; and a visual indication results on the detection layer when the sample liquid comes into contact with the detection layer.

Abstract: Described is a method and reagent kit for the detection of an analyte in a sample liquid by agglutination, wherein the sample liquid is contacted with an agglutination reagent in a reaction vessel that contains an inert matrix to form a reaction mixture that is then subjected to centrifugation. The reaction between the analyte and the agglutination reagent is determined based upon the penetration of the agglutination reagent into the inert matrix. The agglutination reagent includes synthetic particles having an average diameter and specific density chosen such that the particles' sedimentation behavior towards the matrix is essentially the same as that of erythrocytes under the same centrifugal conditions. Preferably, the surfaces of the synthetic particles have ligand molecules immobilized thereon for binding to the analyte.