Abstract: An immunoassay method for the detection of an antibody (Ab.sub.1) to a viral antigen (Ag) wherein a whole human blood sample diluted with an isotonic aqueous solution is incubated with a solid-phase form of Ag whereby any Ab.sub.1 present in the sample becomes bound to solid-phase Ag, the resulting solid-phase Ag-Ab.sub.1 complexes are separated from the sample, a label-incorporated form of an antibody to Ab.sub.1 (Ab.sub.2 *) is contacted with the separated, solid-phase Ag-Ab.sub.1 complexes, the resulting solid-phase Ag-Ab.sub.1 -Ab.sub.2 * complexes are separated from excess Ab.sub.2 *, and the amount of the label in the separated, solid-phase Ag-Ab.sub.1 Ab.sub.2 * complexes is measured as a function of the presence of Ab.sub.1 in the sample. Preferably the whole blood sample is diluted 1:20 by volume with an isotonic aqueous buffer solution. The method is particularly useful for the detection of cytomegalovirus antibody or Rubella antibody.

Abstract: An improved immunoassay method for determining thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in a liquid sample wherein the bound- and free-species of the labelled, preferably radio-labelled, TSH are separated by contacting the liquid reaction mixture with Florisil adsorbent which selectively adsorbs free TSH and physically separating the adsorbent from the liquid mixture. The Florisil adsorbent is preferably contained in a column form. A test kit for performing the improved method is also provided. The assay is more simple and less time consuming than the prior art techniques.

Abstract: A dry radioimmunoassay test composition comprising a mixture of a radiolabelled form of a ligand, i.e., a hapten or an antigen, an antibody for the ligand, and a heavy metal cation, e.g., cupric ion, to inhibit the complex-forming reaction between the radiolabelled ligand and the antibody. A method for preparing the dry test composition is also provided. In use in a radioimmunoassay, the dry test composition is reconstituted with an aqueous liquid and combined with a test sample and a chelating agent to bind the heavy metal cation, permitting reaction among any ligand present in the sample, the radiolabelled ligand, and the antibody. A test kit for performing such radioimmunoassay is also provided.

Abstract: A specific binding assay method, and a test device and test kit for use therein, for determining a liqand, such as an antigen or antibody, in, or the ligand binding capacity of, a liquid medium, particularly a body fluid such as serum, wherein the unknown ligand competes with a labeled component, such as a radiolabeled form of the ligand or of a binding analog of the ligand, for binding with a binding partner, and wherein separation of the resulting bound-species and free-species of the labeled component is accomplished by allowing the liquid reaction mixture to be drawn by capillary action into a column comprising a bed of an adsorbent material selective for one of the two species. The improvement comprises using a column containing at least one additional bed of capillarily absorbent material disposed above said adsorbent bed and which is substantially nonadsorbent relative to the one of said two species which said adsorbent bed selectively binds.

Abstract: A specific binding assay method and test kit for determining a ligand, such as an antigen or antibody, in, or the ligand binding capacity of, a liquid medium, particularly a body fluid such as serum, wherein the unknown ligand competes with a labeled component, such as a radio labeled form of the ligand or of a binding analog of the ligand, for binding with a binding partner, with the improvement that separation of the resulting bound-species and free-species of the labeled component is accomplished by drawing the liquid reaction mixture into a column of an adsorbent material selective for one of the two species. Separation results by immobilization of the selected species at the beginning portion of the adsorbent column while the other species is transported farther along the column by advance of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A specific binding assay method and test kit for determining a ligand, particularly an antigen or hapten, in, or the ligand binding capacity of, a liquid medium, particularly a body fluid such as serum, wherein the liquid medium is combined with assay reagent means including a labeled binding component, such as a radiolabeled form of the ligand, with the improvement that separation of the resulting bound-species and free-species of the labeled component is accomplished by selectively adsorbing the free-species onto a solid comprising a nonion-exchange cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol. The method is particularly suited to the radioimmunoassay detection of nonproteinaceous haptens such as thyroxine, triiodothyronine, estriol, vitamin B.sub.12 and digoxin. The polyvinyl alcohol adsorbent provides a very effective and readily available separation means for use in specific binding assays.

Abstract: A specific binding assay method and test kit for determining a ligand, particularly an antigen or hapten, in, or the ligand binding capacity of, a liquid medium, particularly a body fluid such as serum, wherein the liquid medium is combined with assay reagent means including a labeled binding component, such as a radiolabeled form of the ligand, with the improvement that separation of the resulting bound-species and free-species of the labeled component is accomplished by selectively adsorbing the free-species onto a solid comprising a nonion-exchange cross-linked styrene polymer. The method is particularly suited to the radioimmunoassaydetection of nonproteinaceous haptens such as thyroxine, triiodothyronine, estriol, vitamin B.sub.12 and digoxin. The styrene polymer adsorbent provides a very effective and readily available separation means for use in specific binding assays.