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.