Question:

Rapid bedside detection of HBsAg in point-of-care kits is based on which principle?

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Think of the simple lateral-flow card strip used at the bedside, not a lab machine.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Immunochromatography assays
  • Chemiluminescence
  • ELISA
  • Immunofluorescence
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: The question asks for the principle behind the common rapid HBsAg card/strip test used at the bedside.
Step 2: Rapid diagnostic tests for HBsAg work on the immunochromatography principle. A drop of serum migrates along a nitrocellulose strip by capillary flow; HBsAg in the sample binds dye-labelled anti-HBs antibody and is then captured at a test line to give a visible coloured band.
Step 3: ELISA, chemiluminescence (CLIA) and electrochemiluminescence are laboratory immunoassay platforms that are more sensitive and quantitative, but they are not the principle of the rapid point-of-care strip. Immunofluorescence is not used for routine HBsAg screening.
So the rapid HBsAg test is an immunochromatographic assay.
Ref: Jawetz Medical Microbiology, 27e, p.504.
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