Devices for the detection of multiple analytes in a sample

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

contacting a device with a fluid sample suspected of comprising one or more nucleic acid analytes of interest, each nucleic acid analyte of interest bound to a haptenic complementary nucleotide sequence, the device comprising a matrix defining an axial flow path, the matrix comprising:

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

ii) a label zone positioned within the axial flow path and downstream from the sample receiving zone, said label zone comprising a mobilizable signal producing component that binds each nucleic acid analyte of interest bound to its haptenic complementary nucleotide sequence,

iii) at least two test zones positioned within the axial flow path and downstream from the label zone, wherein each test zone comprises a restraining component that restrains each nucleic acid analyte of interest bound to its haptenic complementary nucleotide sequence, and

iv) a control zone positioned within the axial flow path and downstream from the label zone, the control zone comprising an immobilized member of a specific binding pair that binds with a control reagent deposited on the matrix; and

inspecting the at least two test zones for signal producing component captured by the restraining component at each of the at least two test zones, where presence of the signal producing component at a test zone indicates presence of the nucleic acid analyte of interest bound to its haptenic complementary nucleotide sequence.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mobilizable signal producing component is 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.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mobilizable signal producing component is a colored particulate label.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the label zone comprises a mobilizable signal producing component comprised of different colored particulate labeled reagents.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mobilizable signal producing component is a fluorescent agent.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the restraining component in one test zone of said at least two test zones is an antibody that binds a nucleic acid analyte of interest bound to a haptenic complementary nucleotide sequence.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the immobilized member in the control zone comprises an antibody.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the antibody in the control zone is specific for a labeled control reagent.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid analyte of interest is associated with a sexually transmitted disease.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the nucleic acid analytes of interest are for detection of herpes.

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

12. The method of claim 1 , where inspecting the at least two test zones for signal producing component comprises inspecting via direct visual, non-instrument for presence of a signal detectable.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein said label zone comprising a mobilizable signal producing component that binds the haptenic complementary nucleotide sequence.

14. 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 comprising:

i) a sample receiving zone that receives the fluid sample,

ii) a label zone downstream from the sample receiving zone, said label zone comprising a mobilizable signal producing component that binds an analyte of interest,

iii) at least two test zones, wherein each of the at least two test zones comprises a component for restraint of a different labeled analyte of interest, and

iv) two or more control zones, wherein at least one of the control zones is positioned downstream of a test zone in the at least two test zones, and wherein at least one of the control zones is a reference zone to provide an indication of the relative location of one or more of the at least two test zones; and

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

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the device comprises three or more test zones.

16. The method of claim 14 , wherein each of the test zones contains an immobilized reagent capable of specifically binding a unique analyte.

17. The method of claim 14 , wherein each of the test zones contains an immobilized reagent capable of specifically binding a unique labeled reagent.

18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the mobilizable signal producing component in the label zone is a fluorescent agent.

19. 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 comprising:

i) a sample receiving zone that receives the fluid sample,

ii) a label zone 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 downstream from the label zone, wherein each of the at least two test zones comprises a component for restraint of a different labeled analyte of interest, and

iv) two or more control zones, wherein at least one of the control zones is positioned downstream of a test zone in the at least two test zones, and wherein at least one of the control zones is a reference zone to provide an indication of the relative location of one or more of the at least two test zones; and

inspecting the at least two test zones for labeled analyte.

20. The method of claim 19 , wherein at least one of the control zones contains a component for restraint that provides for the immobilization of the first labeled reagent or the second labeled reagent.

21. The method of claim 19 , wherein each of the test zones comprises an immobilized reagent capable of specifically binding a unique analyte in the one or more analytes of interest.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the first labeled reagent and the second labeled reagent are fluorescent agents.