The present invention relates to a method for making a test device for
detecting or quantifying an analyte in a sample. This method involves
contacting a membrane with a mixture including derivatized, marker-loaded
liposomes, and substantially dehydrating the mixture on the membrane
under vacuum pressure at a temperature of from about 4.degree. C. to
about 80.degree. C., wherein said mixture further includes one or more
sugars in an amount sufficient to promote the stability of the liposomes
during dehydration and rehydration. The present invention also relates to
a test device and method for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a
sample. The test device includes a membrane which includes an immobilized
liposome zone, wherein the immobilized liposome zone has bound thereto
dehydrated, derivatized, marker-loaded liposomes dehydrated under vacuum
pressure at a temperature of from about 4.degree. C. to about 80.degree.
C. from a mixture which includes one or more sugars in an amount
sufficient to promote the stability of the liposomes during dehydration
and rehydration.