At the core of every lateral flow assay lies the nitrocellulose (NC) membrane. The functional layer responsible for binding, capturing, and displaying the test and control lines with accuracy and clarity.
With over 25 years of expertise in diagnostic materials, Kenosha supplies high-performance NC membrane cards engineered for uniform flow, precise lamination, and reproducible assay performance in both R&D and large-scale manufacturing.
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What are NC membrane cards?
Nitrocellulose (NC) membranes form the analytical core of lateral flow assays, serving as the surface where biochemical binding reactions take place. They capture antibodies, antigens, or proteins, enabling the formation of visible test and control lines that determine assay results.
Kenosha’s pre-laminated NC membrane cards combine high-quality membrane filters with precision adhesive backings to ensure optimal alignment, flatness, and flow consistency — all critical for reliable performance in IVD and rapid diagnostic applications.
Why the membrane is the heart of the assay
A well-engineered nitrocellulose membrane determines the:
- Sensitivity and accuracy of the assay
- Capillary flow rate and binding capacity
- Signal clarity and line definition
- Reproducibility from batch to batch
Kenosha’s lateral flow membranes are produced under controlled lamination pressure to ensure uniform adhesion and stable migration rates across the entire card, resulting in consistent and reliable test performance.
Material options & membrane characteristics
Kenosha supplies a broad selection of nitrocellulose (NC) membranes and configurations, including:
- Membranes with varying pore sizes (typically 8–15 µm) for controlled flow and sensitivity
- Pre-laminated NC membranes on PET or PVC backings for precise alignment and handling stability
- Microfluidic membranes designed for advanced or multiplex diagnostic devices
- Blood separation membranes for in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) applications
- Custom-laminated NC membranes tailored to specific assay formats or geometries
Each batch is tested for capillary flow rate, thickness uniformity, and binding performance, ensuring consistent and reproducible diagnostic results.
Precision lamination and cutting
Kenosha combines precision lamination with tight tolerance cutting, ensuring:
- Bubble-free adhesive application
- Consistent membrane tension
- Accurate alignment for automated strip assembly
- Compatibility with standard reel and sheet formats
Our in-house converting capabilities allow full customization — from small prototype runs to high-volume production.
Custom Formats and Backing Options
Choose from:
- Roll or sheet formats for manual or automated assembly
- Multiple adhesive systems, available in permanent or removable configurations
- PET, PVC, or polyester backing films for dimensional stability and smooth lamination
- Custom membrane widths and lengths to fit your device layout
Tailored designs can be produced to align with microfluidic channels, multi-line assays, or blood separation devices, ensuring precise fit and reproducible assay performance.
Quality & Certification
Kenosha operates under an ISO 9001:2025–certified Quality Management System, ensuring consistent process control and full documentation at every production stage.
All NC membrane cards are laminated under clean-room conditions, then inspected for flatness, flow rate, and adhesion uniformity, with each batch fully traceable for quality assurance.
Why Choose Kenosha NC Membrane Cards?
- Over 25 years of expertise in IVD and lateral flow materials
- Uniform flow rates and sharp line definition across production batches
- Pre-laminated, ready-to-use membranes for efficient assembly
- Flexible supply options, from prototype quantities to high-volume production
- Trusted by leading European diagnostic manufacturers
“In lateral flow manufacturing, the membrane defines accuracy. That’s why we apply the same precision to every layer beneath it.”