A method for detection of permeability anisotropy, having steps of positioning a formation testing tool, conducting a series of three flow tests with the testing tool wherein a first test is a four drain flow test, a second test is a pair of opposite drains flowing on diametrically opposite sides of the formation testing tool and a third test is a second pair of opposite drains flowing on opposite drains different than the second test; determining one of horizontal permeability and horizontal mobility, determining one of orthogonal components of horizontal permeability and horizontal mobility based on the measured flow response and determining a direction of the orthogonal components of the horizontal permeability or horizontal mobility with respect to the orientation of the formation testing tool based on a measured flow response.