Pushing boundaries

Forsite believes that the full potential of lateral flow device tests for detection and diagnosis in food and agriculture is yet to be realised.  And we are working hard with our research partners to extend application of the technology by developing innovative and more sensitive tests for quality managers across the food supply chain.

Measuring ‘how much?’

Forsite has opened new opportunities for rapid on-site tests by producing sensitive tests which can be analysed with a fully-portable, hand-held ‘reader’.  Detection of target molecules such as animal hormones or the stress indicator cortisol at concentrations of only a few parts per billion is possible.  The test reader analyses results from the lateral flow devices and indicates whether the results fall above or below a pre-set threshold. 

This is a powerful advance in use of LFD technology, allowing farmers, quality managers or logistics operatives to assess rapidly and easily the product they are dealing with - and make informed decisions, there and then. 

When sensitivity is called for

Insufficient sensitivity is a criticism often levelled at lateral flow devices.  But not for much longer. Forsite, along with partners at the UK Government’s Central Science Laboratory, are combining LFD tests with PCR DNA detection methods to produce a new generation of very sensitive, easy to use test kits.  Forsite has access to patented technologies in this area, and will be actively pursuing this exciting new development.