Abstract: A method, composition, device, apparatus, and kit for the determination of the presence or amount of an analyte by monitoring an analyte-mediated ligand binding event in a test mixture which contains the analyte to be assayed, a specific binding member, a Raman-active label, and a particulate having a surface capable of inducing a surface-enhanced Raman light scattering. The test mixture is illuminated with a radiation sufficient to cause the Raman-active label in the test mixture to emit a detectable Raman spectrum. The differences in the detected surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra are dependent upon the amount of the analyte present in the test mixture. Thus, by monitoring these differences, the presence or amount of the analyte are determined.

Abstract: A method, composition, device, apparatus, and kit for the determination of the presence or amount of an analyte by monitoring an analyte-mediated ligand binding event in a test mixture which contains the analyte to be assayed, a specific binding member, a Raman-active label, and a particulate having a surface capable of inducing a surface-enhanced Raman light scattering. The test mixture is illuminated with a radiation sufficient to cause the Raman-active label in the test mixture to emit a detectable Raman spectrum. The differences in the detected surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra are dependent upon the amount of the analyte present in the test mixture. Thus, by monitoring these differences, the presence or amount of the analyte are determined.