Novel teststrip with increased accuracy

A new type of a simple and cheap teststrip for liquid samples is described. It is based on microchromatography or microtitration on a porous, capillar y-active substrate (e.g., filter paper or a similar absorbent material). In case of microchromatography an analyte-selective indicator (and other auxi liary reagents) is impregnated or immobilized on the capillary-active subst rate; in case of micro-titration the capillary-active substrate contains a titrant which reacts stoichiometrically with the analyte. Quantitative anal ysis is performed by measurement of an area (which had changed its color) r ather than by evaluation of the shade or intensity of a color (like in conv entional teststrips). In order to show the broad applicability of this new principle teststrips for different analytes like Quaternary Ammonium Compou nds (QACs), the cation Ni2+, the anion SO42- and H2O2 are described. The de tection limit and working range of the novel teststrip can be adjusted by v ariation of its size.