Abstract: A method of determining a macromolecular analyte in a sample suspected of containing the macromolecular analyte is disclosed. The sample and a conjugate reagent comprising a small molecule and a binding partner for the macromolecular analyte are combined in a medium. The conjugate reagent and a labeled binding partner for the small molecule are combined. The conjugate reagent or the medium is examined for an amount of labeled binding partner for the small molecule that is bound to the small molecule, which is related to the amount of the macromolecular analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method of determining a macromolecular analyte in a sample suspected of containing the macromolecular analyte is disclosed. The sample and a conjugate reagent comprising a small molecule and a binding partner for the macromolecular analyte are combined in a medium. The conjugate reagent and a labeled binding partner for the small molecule are combined. The conjugate reagent or the medium is examined for an amount of labeled binding partner for the small molecule that is bound to the small molecule, which is related to the amount of the macromolecular analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method of determining a macromolecular analyte in a sample suspected of containing the macromolecular analyte is disclosed. The sample and a conjugate reagent comprising a small molecule and a binding partner for the macromolecular analyte are combined in a medium. The conjugate reagent and a labeled binding partner for the small molecule are combined. The conjugate reagent or the medium is examined for an amount of labeled binding partner for the small molecule that is bound to the small molecule, which is related to the amount of the macromolecular analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for designing an antibody reagent for use in an assay for the detection of an analyte to obtain an optimum assay sensitivity and/or dynamic range. The antibody reagent is a conjugate of a small molecule attached by a spacer group to an antibody for the analyte. The method comprises controlling, in the preparation of the conjugate, reaction parameters comprising the hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the spacer group, the length of the spacer group, the number of molecules of the small molecule attached to the antibody and the point of attachment of the small molecule to the antibody to obtain an optimum assay sensitivity and/or dynamic range.

Abstract: A retractable earplug assembly is provided that is configured to retrofit to a hardhat that includes a protective housing removably mountable to the hardhat. The earplug assembly further includes a guide base slideably cooperating with a guide portion of the housing for movement thereof along a fixed path. The earplug assembly includes an elongated flexible tether having a distal portion thereof mounted to an earplug device, and a proximal portion thereof mounted to the guide base. When the guide base is selectively moved along the fixed path, the tether and the earplug device move between a retracted condition and an extended condition, enabling usable access to the earplug device.