This literature survey and SWOT analysis of lateral flow (immuno)assays (LFAs) highlights their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. LFAs are widely used for qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative monitoring in resource-poor or non-laboratory environments, particularly for detecting pathogens, drugs, hormones, and metabolites. The survey covers the principles of current formats, applications, limitations, and perspectives for quantitative monitoring. LFAs are designed for single-use at the point of care/need, offering high sensitivity, selectivity, and ease of use. They are often referred to as "dipsticks" but differ from true dipsticks in that they rely on lateral fluid flow through a membrane. The survey discusses the advantages and disadvantages of LFAs, including their ability to provide rapid results, disposable design, and visual interpretation, as well as their limitations such as the need for on/off results and the lack of quantitative capabilities. The SWOT analysis identifies strengths like widespread use in resource-poor settings and visual interpretation, weaknesses such as the need for manual handling and limited sample volume, opportunities in off-laboratory applications and multiplexing, and threats from competing technologies like biosensors. Future perspectives include improvements in reproducibility, sensitivity, and integration with lab-on-a-chip devices.This literature survey and SWOT analysis of lateral flow (immuno)assays (LFAs) highlights their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. LFAs are widely used for qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative monitoring in resource-poor or non-laboratory environments, particularly for detecting pathogens, drugs, hormones, and metabolites. The survey covers the principles of current formats, applications, limitations, and perspectives for quantitative monitoring. LFAs are designed for single-use at the point of care/need, offering high sensitivity, selectivity, and ease of use. They are often referred to as "dipsticks" but differ from true dipsticks in that they rely on lateral fluid flow through a membrane. The survey discusses the advantages and disadvantages of LFAs, including their ability to provide rapid results, disposable design, and visual interpretation, as well as their limitations such as the need for on/off results and the lack of quantitative capabilities. The SWOT analysis identifies strengths like widespread use in resource-poor settings and visual interpretation, weaknesses such as the need for manual handling and limited sample volume, opportunities in off-laboratory applications and multiplexing, and threats from competing technologies like biosensors. Future perspectives include improvements in reproducibility, sensitivity, and integration with lab-on-a-chip devices.