Abstract: Disclosed is a dipstick test device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample by treating the analyte with at least one liquid reagent to form a detectable reaction product. The device includes: a) an aqueous impermeable, aqueous insoluble reaction zone, adapted to retain the detectable reaction product; and b) a control absorbent above, and in liquid-transferring relation with, the reaction zone. The control absorbent has a predetermined, limited liquid-absorbing capacity, and the dipstick is sized and configured for insertion into a vessel containing the sample, with the control absorbent oriented above the reaction zone, so that the control absorbent fills to capacity with sample and the reaction zone incubates with the sample. The device may further include an absorbent reservoir which can be moved into liquid transferring contact with the reaction zone.