Abstract: This invention is directed to a lateral flow assay for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid test sample. The lateral flow assay represents an improvement in the ability to accurately and with high fidelity to detect the presence or absence of a target analyte in a liquid sample, in part, by encompassing a reference region of immobilized, non-diffusible analyte that allows for detection of any factors that interfere with the interaction and binding of the analyte to the labeled capture reagent. Any influences on the interaction and binding of the analyte that is free in solution in the liquid test sample to its complementary labeled reagent will be encountered in parallel in the binding between the immobilized analyte in reference region to the labeled reagent as it diffuses through the reference region. In one embodiment, the lateral flow assay of the invention is a urine-based human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) assay.

Abstract: A tray assembly for use with an apparatus adapted to inspect a liquid sample, including a support tray insertable within an inspection location within the liquid sample inspection apparatus so that a light source of the apparatus illuminates a liquid sample carried on the support tray and a detector of the apparatus receives light from the liquid sample when the support tray is positioned at the inspection location, and an insert supported within the support tray and having a first surface adapted to receive a first type of liquid carrier and a second surface adapted to receive a second type of liquid carrier different from the first type of liquid carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying proper operation of an optical inspection machine, including a row of colored segments that simulate reagent pads containing known types of analytes at known concentrations positioned so that the row of colored segments can be illuminated by the readhead of the optical inspection machine. If the optical inspection machine provides results that correspond to the known types and concentrations of analytes, then the machine is operating properly.