Abstract: This invention discloses a method and composition for detecting the presence of class specific antibodies reactive with analytes such as bacteria, allergens, autoimmune antigens, viral proteins, and carbohydrates by lateral flow techniques. In one embodiment of the invention, a test sample obtained from bodily fluids reacts with a gold labeled antigen. The resulting complex travels across the membrane, and along the lateral flow strip. Red colored lines formed in specific locations along the test strip indicate the presence of class specific antibodies in the test specimen. In another embodiment of the invention, the lateral flow assay serves as an immunochromatographic screening test for the detection of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in human serum. Test sample reacts with gold labeled anti-IgE antibody. The resulting complex travels across the membrane where immobilized allergens capture the allergen specific IgE complex.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and composition for detecting the presence of class specific antibodies reactive with analytes such as bacteria, allergens, autoimmune antigens, viral proteins, and carbohydrates by lateral flow techniques. In one embodiment of the invention, a test sample obtained from bodily fluids reacts with a gold labeled antigen. The resulting complex travels across the membrane, and along the lateral flow strip. Red colored lines formed in specific locations along the test strip indicate the presence of class specific antibodies in the test specimen. In another embodiment of the invention, the lateral flow assay serves as an immunochromatographic screening test for the detection of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in human serum. Test sample reacts with gold labeled anti-IgE antibody. The resulting complex travels across the membrane where immobilized allergens capture the allergen specific IgE complex.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and composition for detecting the presence of class specific antibodies reactive with analytes such as bacteria, allergens, autoimmune antigens, viral proteins, and carbohydrates by lateral flow techniques. In one embodiment of the invention, a test sample obtained from bodily fluids reacts with a gold labeled antigen. The resulting complex travels across the membrane, and along the lateral flow strip. Red colored lines formed in specific locations along the test strip indicate the presence of class specific antibodies in the test specimen. In another embodiment of the invention, the lateral flow assay serves as an immunochromatographic screening test for the detection of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in human serum. Test sample reacts with gold labeled anti-IgE antibody. The resulting complex travels across the membrane where immobilized allergens capture the allergen specific IgE complex.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay for determining the presence of at least one analyte in a sample, which involves the steps of: (a) mixing the sample and predetermined amounts of first test microparticles having disposed thereon a binding molecule which binds a first analyte, and inert reference microparticles to form a reaction mixture, and to allow for the first binding molecule to bind the first analyte; b) counting the numbers of the non-reacted first test microparticles and the reference microparticles; and (c) comparing the number of non-reacted first test microparticles to the reference microparticles to thereby establish a first test value so that the presence of the first analyte in the sample may be determined. In a preferred embodiment, the first test value is compared to a control value for a non-reactive sample, and a change value is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: Diluent compositions for preparing specimens for immunoassay contain effective amounts of salt and non-ionic surfactants to inactivate viruses in the specimens and improve the sensitivity and specificity of the immunoassays; said diluents having some strengths of from about 21 to about 35 mS/cm and comprising 0.05 to 1% non-ionic surfactants, along with other conventional ingredients. The invention relates as well to immunoassay procedures using the novel diluents.