Abstract: The invention provides a complete, one-step, fully functional, ready to use lateral flow assay device for the rapid, accurate detection of a target nucleic acid in a fluid sample, wherein the device contains all reagents necessary for the assay in an anhydrous format. The device comprises a sample receiving zone, a labeling zone, and a capture zone. The sample receiving zone may contain one or more oligonucleotides coupled to binding partners and reversibly bound to the capture zone membrane, the labeling zone comprises a visible moiety coupled to a ligand specific for one of the binding partners and reversibly bound to the labeling zone membrane, and the capture zone comprises an capture moiety specific for the second binding partner and immobilized on the capture zone membrane.