Lateral flow tests are based on the principle of Immuno-chromatography. Developed in mid 80's for pregnancy tests, now a days these are used for detecting infectious diseases, drugs of abuse, monitoring ovulation, tumor markers and many more.

One or several analytes can be tested simultaneously on the same strip. They are simplest to use of all the test formats. The development of rapid diagnostic tests involves selection and validation of various test components. Among the lateral flow test components, Nitrocellulose membrane is pivotal as it is the platform where the final reaction takes place.