An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous
fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte
in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount
of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control
dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution
that facilitates end-point testing. The improved test strip comprises no more than
two operative layers and: (a) a reaction membrane containing a reagent capable
of reacting with the analyte of interest to produce a measurable change in said
membrane; (b) an upper support layer defining a sample receiving port for receiving
the fluid sample thereat; (c) one or more structures for directing the sample containing
the analyte of interest through at least a portion of said reaction membrane; and
(d) a lower support layer having a reaction viewing port in vertical alignment
with said membrane for displaying said measurable change, said lower support being
associated with said upper support to secure said reaction membrane in said test strip.