Developing Saliva-based Lateral Flow Immunoassays

With the revolution of lateral flow assay use in Point-of-Care and Over-the-Counter testing resulting from Covid-19, saliva has become an attractive sample matrix. To continue to grow lateral flow assay use in these sectors, there is a need for simple and non-invasive testing that saliva as a matrix can provide. It is not without its challenges, however. Saliva is prone to matrix effects, varies greatly from patient to patient, and may have lower analyte concentrations than other sample types. Combine these challenges with the complexities associated with the collection, filtration, and dispensing of sample onto a test, saliva can be a very difficult matrix to work in. In this session, we will discuss how proper planning and the selection of reagents can address these unique challenges to produce a successful saliva-based lateral flow assay.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the unique challenges of saliva relative to other sample matrices.

2. Discuss how reporter probe selection can help achieve high sensitivity even in difficult matrices.

3. Describe approaches to successful saliva-based lateral flow assay design that enable scaled manufacturing.