Devices for the detection of multiple analytes in a sample

1. A method for the detection of multiple analytes in a fluid sample, the method comprising:

contacting a device with a fluid sample suspected of containing one or more analytes of interest, the device comprising a matrix defining an axial flow path, the matrix comprising:

i) a sample receiving zone at an upstream end of the flow path that receives the fluid sample,

ii) a label zone positioned within the flow path and downstream from the sample receiving zone, said label zone comprising a first labeled reagent and a second labeled reagent, each of said labeled reagents capable of binding an analyte to form a labeled analyte and mobilizable in the presence of fluid sample,

iii) at least two test zones positioned within the flow path and downstream from the label zone, wherein each of the at least two test zones contain a component for restraint of a different labeled analyte or combination of labeled analytes in each test zone, and

iv) two or more control zones positioned within the flow path and downstream from the label zone, including a control zone positioned upstream of a test zone; and

detecting one or more labeled analytes of interest restrained in the one or more test zones;

wherein at least one of the control zones is positioned downstream of all the test zones;

and wherein at least one of the control zones contains antibody that provides for the immobilization of the labeled reagents not bound to said one or more analytes, and acts as a reference zone to provide an indication of the relative location of one or more test zones;

and wherein, in operation, a labeled reagent is restrained in each of the control zones.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises three or more test zones.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the test zones contain an immobilized reagent capable of specifically binding a unique analyte.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein said test zones contain immobilized reagents capable of specifically binding influenza A and influenza B, respectively.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the test zones contains an immobilized reagent capable of specifically binding a unique labeled reagent.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the label zone comprises multiple labeled reagents, wherein each of the multiple labeled reagents is capable of specifically binding a unique analyte.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the labeled reagents are detectably distinguishable from one another.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first labeled reagent and the second labeled reagent each comprises a label component selected from the group consisting of a chemiluminescent agent, a particulate label, a colorimetric agent, an energy transfer agent, an enzyme, a fluorescent agent and a radioisotope.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the labeled reagents comprise different colored particulate labeled reagents.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the labeled reagents comprise fluorescent agents.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the component for restraint of a different labeled analyte in each test zone comprises immobilized capture reagent.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sample receiving zone and the label zone comprise separate components in fluid-flow contact.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the test zones and the control zones are positioned within a test region.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the sample receiving zone, the label zone and the test region comprise separate components in fluid-flow contact.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein a control zone within said test region comprises an antibody that binds a labeled reagent.

16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the test region is laminated on a plastic backing material.

17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the matrix is positioned within a housing comprising a support and optionally a cover, wherein the housing contains an application aperture and one or more observation ports.

18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the device is in the form of a dipstick assay device.