Universal sorbent: pads, rolls
3 - 35 µm PALL

Sample pads and absorbent sinks are used in lateral flow diagnostic assays to draw (wick) the sample from one side of the analytical membrane to the other. Depending on the assay, the selection of the sample pad and wick may or may not be of the same material. At Pall, we have a variety of materials in various thicknesses, absorbencies and wick rates to meet your assay needs.
Sample Pads
When selecting a material to be used for a sample pad, two parameters are of critical importance - purity and consistency. Made of 100% pure cellulose fibers, our family of absorbent sample pads yields uniform sample absorption and wicking rates. The pure nature of the material is ideal for diagnostic assays that are extremely sensitive to the presence of interfering substances. Consistency is facilitated by the naturally hydrophilic nature of the material which ensures rapid wetting, consistent wicking rate, and uniform delivery of the sample to the conjugate pad. Additionally, the low protein binding nature of our absorbent sample pads ensure that the sensitivity of the assay is maintained and that there is minimal loss of target analyte.

We also offer glass fiber, polyester, and blended materials if purity is less of a concern in your assay.
Absorbent Sinks
Absorbent sinks are incorporated at the end of the lateral flow strip to act as a reservoir for the sample after it has traveled through the strip. Typically constructed of either glass fiber or cellulose materials, the absorbent sinks also help to control the flow rate of the overall assay. Our hydrophilic materials ensure that a consistent flow rate is maintained across the test strip which aids in maintaining assay sensitivity.