An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as
whole blood, to test for presence and / or amount of a suspected
analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the
analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes
fluid volume control dams to prevent
spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical
reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing. The improved test strip comprises no more than two operative
layers and: (a) a reaction membrane containing a
reagent capable of reacting with the
analyte of interest to produce a measurable change in said membrane; (b) an upper support layer defining a sample receiving port for receiving the fluid sample thereat; (c) one or more structures for directing the sample containing the analyte of interest through at least a portion of said reaction membrane; and (d) a lower support layer having a reaction viewing port in
vertical alignment with said membrane for displaying said measurable change, said lower support being associated with said upper support to secure said reaction membrane in said test strip.