Mass of components and material distribution in lateral flow assay kits
Loading...
Date
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
This research article examines the material composition and weight distribution of commercial lateral flow test kits for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with a focus on their environmental implications. The authors collected and manually disassembled 21 commercially available test kits authorized in the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and through the World Health Organization emergency use listing procedure. Individual components were classified, weighed and analysed to assess the quantity and types of materials used in kit construction, packaging and ancillary elements.
The study found substantial variation in total kit weight and component design, with packaging accounting for a large proportion of overall material use. Standard kits were composed primarily of paper and cardboard by weight, while plastics represented a significant share of materials, particularly in non-standard designs. Differences were observed in cassette housings, swabs, extraction tubes and packaging configurations, indicating inconsistent material use across manufacturers. The findings suggest opportunities to reduce material consumption, especially plastics, through improved product and packaging design. The authors propose the introduction of quantitative material-use benchmarks in target product profiles for lateral flow tests to support more sustainable diagnostic technologies and reduce the environmental burden of medical waste associated with large-scale testing.
236
246
236
246