Abstract: The prevent invention relates to an integrated package-holder assay devices for detecting the presence of analyte in a sample. The device serves the dual roles of supporting and protecting an immunochromatographic assay. The device is compatible with any immunochromatographic assay format. The assay can be performed in a single apparatus for use in a laboratory or a field setting. In a specific example, the assay device is a nylon membrane formatted for an immunochromatographic assay for cotinine sealed between transparent adhesive tape and a stiff plastic strip. White tape placed over the plastic strip defined a window for observing the assay results.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, Serex A93, recognizes peptide linked pyridinoline in Type I bone collagen fragments and can be used to quantitate bone resorption. The hybridoma producing this antibody has been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md., under accession number HB-12254. The epitope reactive with the antibody is stable to acid hydrolysis and therefore is not a linear peptide. The antibody recognizes pyridinoline in bound or conjugated form, but not in the free form found in urine. The antibody is useful in immunoassays for determining bone resorption, utilizing body fluids such as urine, saliva, blood, or sweat.

Abstract: Assays using receptor:reland complexes capable of releasing the reland in the presence of an analyte are described, wherein the reland does not detectably compete with analyte for binding to the receptor. The dissociation constant of the reland and the receptor is such that no appreciable release of reland occurs in the absence of analyte for the receptor. In a preferred embodiment, the association constant of the monomeric reland and the receptor is less than or equal to about 10.sup.5 M, preferably 10.sup.3 to 10.sup.5 M, most preferably 1% or less of the association constant of the analyte and receptor. In a preferred embodiment, the reland is labelled and the amount of analyte bound to the receptor is determined from the amount of labelled reland which is released.

Abstract: A method for assaying for the presence of analyte in a sample based on differential binding affinity involves detecting dissociation of a complex of receptor and ligand in the presence of analyte. The receptor binds the analyte with high affinity and with the ligand with low affinity. The receptor-ligand complex may be formed in situ or may be preformed. In the presence of free analyte, the receptor releases from the receptor-ligand complex and binds free analyte. Release of the receptor-ligand complex is detectable. A kit for performing release assays to detect the presence of analyte is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated package-holder assay devices for detecting the presence of analyte in a sample. The device serves the dual roles of supporting and protecting an immunochromatographic assay. The device is compatible with any immunochromatographic assay format. The assay can be performed in a single apparatus for use in a laboratory or a field setting. In a specific example, the assay device is a nylon membrane formatted for an immunochromatographic assay for continue sealed between transparent adhesive tape and a stiff plastic strip. White tape placed over the plastic strip defined a window for observing the assay results.

Abstract: An assay provides for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. Sample is applied to move through three zones. A mobilizeable receptor capable of binding to the analyte is present in the first zone. A trap for unbound receptor, consisting of immobilized ligand, is present in the second zone. Receptor bound to analyte will not bind to the ligand; unbound receptor will bind to the ligand. Mobilization and migration of the receptor can be detected in the third zone, which positively indicates that analyte is present. A device for carrying out the method is also provided.