Reveal Q+ MAX for DON is a single-step lateral flow immunochromatographic assay based on a competitive immunoassay format. The extract is wicked through a reagent zone, which contains antibodies specific for DON conjugated to colloidal gold particles. If DON is present, it will be captured by the particle-antibody complex. The DON-antibody-particle complex then is wicked onto a membrane, which contains a zone of DON conjugated to a protein carrier. This zone captures any uncomplexed DON antibody, allowing the particles to concentrate and form a visible line. As the level of DON in a sample increases, free DON will complex with the antibody-gold particles. This, in turn, allows less antibody-gold to be captured in the test zone. Therefore, as the concentration of DON in the sample increases, the test line density decreases. Algorithms programmed into the AccuScan^® reader convert these line densities into a quantitative result displayed in parts per million (ppm). The membrane also contains a control zone where an immune complex present in the reagent zone is captured by an antibody, forming a visible line. The control line will always form regardless of the presence of DON, ensuring the strip is functioning properly.