On the other hand, most lateral flow tests

could only implement qualitative detection. In order to realize quantitative detection, some groups [13–17] have dedicated to this issue. Huang et al. [2] utilized a photomultiplier tube (PMT) as a signal acquisition device for up-conversion of nanoparticle-labeled test strips. Although PMT has high sensitivity, it is with a limited surveyed area. Mei’s group [1] Tideglusib chose a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor to capture test strip images. Besides, our group [18] employed a charge-coupled device (CCD) with an image acquisition card as an image sensor to capture test strip images. However, the image acquisition limited the application of this instrument and, at the same time, resulted in complexity and high cost. In this article, an improved test strip reader is presented. Gastric carcinoma is one of the common malignant tumors in the world [19]. Its morbidity and mortality, respectively, rank second and third among all malignant tumors. Nevertheless, only 10% or so patients were diagnosed with

early gastric cancer (EGC) in China. Moreover, compared with ones suffering with late gastric cancer, patients with EGC have a higher survival rate [20], so early diagnosis of gastric carcinoma is of great Temsirolimus mouse importance. It is confirmed that Helicobacter pylori with cytotoxin-associated protein (CagA) is closely associated with gastric carcinoma’s initiation and development [21–23]. If we could detect CagA as soon as possible, we might decrease or avoid development of gastric carcinoma via reasonable therapy. To realize this goal, we designed and prepared the device for ultrasensitive detection of CagA. Herein,

we reported that an improved CCD-based test strip reader was designed and developed. Besides, a corresponding software system was also developed for human-machine interaction. Etomidate According to the CCD image sensor, test strip Angiogenesis inhibitor images were captured and then transmitted to the control computer. Afterward, the software system would finish the data analysis and present diagnostic results in the form of reports, which is a convenient diagnostic system for clinical physicians. Materials and methods Composition of test strips The immunochromatographic test strip (ITS) is composed of a sample pad, conjugation pad, nitrocellulose membrane, and absorption pad, as shown in Figure 1a. All these components are fixed onto a plastic backing card [5]. During the assay, the liquid sample is added onto the sample pad, and then the absorption pad wicks the liquid sample to the end of the test strip through capillarity. Analytes in the sample will combine with conjugates (labeled with CdSe quantum dots) in the conjugation pad. Subsequently, the formed complexes continue migrating along the membrane until they are captured by the test line (T-line). The residual will move forward and be captured in the control line (C-line).