Analytical devices with integrated desiccant

1. A lateral flow immunoassay device for detection of an analyte in a biological sample, comprising:

an analytical test strip comprising

a support member,

a plurality of porous pads in fluid communication, said plurality of porous pads in contact with the support member and including, in sequence, a sample receiving pad, a label pad containing mobile tag reagents, a test pad containing immobilized binding reagents, and an absorbent pad which serves as a sink zone, and

a desiccant portion, comprising a film or membrane having desiccant dispersed therein, which is laminated to the analytical test strip, such that said desiccant is disposed adjacent but not in contact with the absorbent pad,

wherein said desiccant portion remains integral with the analytical test strip during use thereof.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the desiccant portion comprises a material selected from the group consisting of molecular sieves and silica gel.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the analytical test strip is in the form of a dipstick.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein said mobile tag reagents and immobilized reagents are capable of binding an influenza A analyte.

5. The device of claim 4 , comprising two test lines within said test pad, containing immobilized reagents capable of binding influenza A and influenza B analytes, respectively.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein said mobile tag reagents and immobilized reagents are capable of binding a Streptococcus pyogenes analyte.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the desiccant is integrated into the device by

(i) providing a desiccant-loaded film or membrane; and

(ii) laminating said desiccant-loaded film or membrane to the test strip.