An assay is a common procedure in pharmacology, molecular biology, and laboratory medicine, and it’s used to measure and assess the amount and presence of a target entity, such as a drug, organism, or biochemical substance. Lateral flow assays, in particular, are paper-based assays that are designed to detect compounds in a mixture, giving results within 5 minutes to half an hour. Here’s what you need to know about how manufacturing companies produce them. 

The Main Steps

Here are the main parts of the manufacturing process: 

• Conjugate the antibodies and labels.
• Apply and select the correct absorption pads and reagents.
• Assemble everything into a lateral flow immunoassay.
• Make sure everything interacts properly to deliver the desired outcome. 

Scale

Once you have the prototype, you need to scale the product and get it market-ready. This is done by manufacturing more batches to verify that the scaled-up version accomplishes what it’s meant to and performs correctly. 

Automation

The next step is to make sure the assays can be manufactured in large quantities while providing accurate results each time. This process involves a major investment in state-of-the-art equipment and commercial space. The best bet for most businesses in need of assays is to commission assay development. It’s cost-effective, and you’ll save a lot of time on operations and hiring. Plus, you’ll be able to focus on the commercial and sales aspects of the business. 

Expertise

Ultimately, the process requires experience and expertise. You need proven testing processes and efficient manufacturing, which often require years of work. Plus, you need to make sure the products that are produced conform to market requirements and adhere to regulatory laws. 

When you need help with lateral flow test assembly from a trusted manufacturing company, contact Pacific Integrated Manufacturing. The business is based in San Diego County, CA, and they’ve been serving clients for over 20 years. Their factory is modern, and they use lean processes. They’re committed to excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction. Call (619) 921-3464 to speak to a member of their team, and visit their website to learn more about this manufacturing company.