Abstract: The invention provides an assay device for quantification or detection of the presence or absence of an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a molding (1) permanently or removably attached to a substantially planar plate (2) such that a part of said molding forms a capillary chamber (3) between said plate and the said molding, the device further comprising a chamber (5) into which a test sample and/or reagent can be introduced and further comprising a chamber (7) capable of accommodating an absorbent pad, wherein the said chamber into which a test sample and said chamber capable of holding an absorbent pad are in lateral flow contact via the said capillary chamber (3).

Abstract: A device (100) for reading fluorescent signals comprising: an illuminator (110) for illuminating a material (130) bound with a fluorophore, at an appropriate wavelength to induce fluorescence; a detector (140) for detecting fluorescent signals emitted by the material (130); a signal processor for processing the signals detected; the device defining an optical system (170, 120, 240, 190, 180, 200, 150, 220, 210) having an excitation optical path and a detection optical path; characterised in that the illuminator (110) comprises a light emitting diode (LED), and in that the illumination illuminates all, or a substantial portion of the material (130) simultaneously.