Pregnancy Test Wick

Porex gets proof-positive results with its design of a sample collection pad for a urine-based pregnancy test. One of the product’s main components, the pad improves the overall performance and speed of the test.

Design Challenge:
In the design of a rapid assay test there are four main components: the sample collection pad, the conjugate release pad, the assay test strip, and the absorbent sink. Each component has its own function. In a recent development for a urine-based pregnancy test Porex was called upon to produce a sample collection pad. The pad needed to offer rapid transfer of sample to the actual assay test strip. The goal was to produce a wick that optimized and matched the time and quantity of required sample flow.

Solution:
Porex chose to use fiber technology to address the problem. Porex fiber technology allows for very longitudinal pores which in turn promotes fast wicking speed in a preferential direction. Therefore, by selecting the appropriate fiber weight, fiber type, and fiber size - the pore size of the sample collection pad and its corresponding wick rate was optimized.

Result:
By adjusting the pore size and the hydrophilic treatment process Porex was able to not only match the performance required but also provide a more consistent product the benefit of which improved the overall performance and speed of the test.

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