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The Role of Cover Tapes in Lateral Flow

In lateral flow diagnostics, cover tapes play an important role in protecting materials and ensuring consistency.

Kenosha Cover Tapes

In lateral flow diagnostics, reliability depends on the precise interaction of multiple components. While membranes and pads often receive the most attention, cover tapes play an equally important role in protecting materials and ensuring consistent fluid flow throughout the device.

Protection

Cover tapes act as a protective top layer within the test strip. They help secure components in place, guide liquid movement, minimize back flow of reagents and shield sensitive materials from contamination or mechanical damage. By maintaining the integrity of the test structure, cover tapes contribute directly to product stability and shelf life.

Materials

Material selection is critical. Properties such as adhesion strength, chemical compatibility and dimensional stability influence how well the tape performs during assembly, storage and operation. Inconsistent adhesion or unsuitable materials can lead to delamination, misalignment or unreliable test results.

Performance


At Kenosha, cover tapes are produced with controlled adhesive application and tight dimensional tolerances to support efficient assembly and reproducible performance. Whether used in development or high volume manufacturing, well designed cover tapes help ensure that lateral flow devices function as intended.
Even small components can have a significant impact on diagnostic reliability.

Do you want to learn more about our cover tapes?

Cover Tapes

Seal and protect the functional layers of your assay while maintaining capillary flow integrity. Custom-printed options, adjustable per roll, enable branding, test line indicators, or alignment markings, without compromising performance.

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