Lateral flow is a rapid, simple, and low-cost diagnostic technology widely used for point-of-care testing. It works by allowing a liquid sample to migrate along a membrane strip, where immobilized reagents capture target molecules, producing a visible result typically within minutes. Many are familiar with lateral flow through common applications, such as pregnancy testing and COVID-19 rapid antigen testing. 

Lateral flow is widely used due to its accessibility. Tests are portable, requiring little to no specialized equipment, and can be performed by non-experts, making them easy to use in clinical, home, and field settings. This has driven widespread adoption across healthcare, women’s health, infectious disease testing, veterinary diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. As well as being simple and affordable, lateral flow assays provide results in real-time, supporting fast decision-making.  

Traditionally, lateral flow has been limited to qualitative or semi-quantitative results. However, ongoing innovations are expanding what these platforms can achieve. Multiplexing enables the detection of several analytes in a single test, while microarray integration brings higher sensitivity and more detailed analysis. New membrane technologies are also improving signal strength and reliability, making lateral flow competitive with laboratory-based techniques.  

With precision dispensing technologies such as the sciFLEXARRAYER series and sciDROP PICO technology, SCIENION supports accurate and reproducible reagent deposition at ultra-low volumes, advancing next-generation lateral flow systems. This precision, combined with expertise in microarrays and integration with advanced membranes, allows developers to build more robust, multiplexed assays. By enabling scalable production and innovative designs, SCIENION supports driving lateral low into new applications, from cancer diagnostics to personalized medicine, all while maintaining the speed, simplicity, and affordability that this technology is renowned for.