Abstract: The present invention includes novel rubella assays employing a Rubella virus capture reagent and a solid phase material containing a reaction site comprising a polymeric cation substance. A test sample suspected of containing Rubella antibody may be contacted with the capture reagent to form a capture reagent/analyte complex. The complex is then contacted to the positively charged solid phase to attract, attach, and immobilize the capture reagent/analyte complex.

Abstract: This invention presents novel assay devices employing capture reagents, involving a specific binding member attached to a charged substance, and porous material containing a capture or reaction zone that is oppositely charged with respect to the charged substance included in the capture reagent. In one embodiment, a test sample suspected of containing the analyte of interest is contacted with the capture reagent to form a charged capture reagent/analyte complex. The complex is then contacted to the oppositely charged capture or reaction zone to attract, attach, and immobilize the capture reagent/analyte complex. With an appropriate indicator reagent, both sandwich and competitive assays can be performed.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel assays employing a capture reagent, involving a first specific binding member conjugated to a polymeric anion such as carboxymethylamylose, and a solid phase material containing a reaction site comprising a polymeric cation substance. A test sample suspected of containing the analyte of interest may be contacted with the capture reagent to form a charged capture reagent/analyte complex. The complex is then contacted to/ the oppositely charged solid phase to attract, attach, and immobilize the capture reagent/analyte complex. The use of carboxymethylamylose to prepare a suitably charged capture reagent provides a superior capture reagent that is capable of binding and retaining the analyte on the solid phase even in the presence of polyanionic non-specific binding blockers.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel digoxin assays employing a capture reagent, involving a first binding member conjugated to a polymeric anion substance, and a solid phase material containing a reaction site comprising a polymeric cation substance having a nitrogen content of at least about two percent. A test sample suspected of containing the analyte of interest may be contacted with the capture reagent to form a charged capture reagent/analyte complex. The complex is then contacted to the oppositely charged solid phase to attract, attach, and immobilize the capture reagent/analyte complex.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel homogeneous immunoassay systems involving complement-mediated lysis of marker-encapsulating lipid vesicles (liposomes) for detection of analyte in a fluid sample. These systems do not require the separation of unbound antigens and/or antibody conjugates yet provide highly sensitive procedures for analyte detection. Liposomes containing a marker, are coupled to antibody fragments in a way which confers the liposomes with immunological specificity yet avoids sensitizing the liposomes to complement mediated lysis in the absence of analyte. Antibody sensitized liposomes (the first reagent) are sequentially incubated with an analyte-containing sample, and optionally "dummy" liposomes, which do not contain encapsulated marker, a second antibody (the second reagent), and finally with a complement source such as plasma. Complement is activated by the liposome-antibody-antigen-second antibody complex causing liposome lysis and a concomitant release of marker.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a chemiluminescence assay involving the immobilization of a chemiluminescent reaction complex to a solid, porous element. The solid, porous element is preferably treated to provide an immobilizing interaction with the chemiluminescent reaction complex wherein the chemiluminescent reaction complex is thereby immobilized to the solid, porous element. The activating and reading of the chemiluminescent reaction are separately performed by evenly distributing a concentrated chemiluminescent activating solution to form a puddle on the surface of the porous element to which the chemiluminescent reaction complex is immobilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel homogeneous immunoassay systems involving complement-mediated lysis of marker-encapsulating lipid vesicles (liposomes) for detection of analyte in a fluid sample. These systems do not require the separation of unbound antigens and/or antibody conjugates yet provide highly sensitive procedures for analyte detection. Liposomes containing a marker, are coupled to antibody fragments in a way which confers the liposomes with immunological specificity yet avoids sensitizing the liposomes to complement mediated lysis in the absence of analyte. Antibody sensitized liposomes (the first reagent) are sequentially incubated with an analyte-containing sample, and optionally "dummy" liposomes, which do not contain encapsulated marker, a second antibody (the second reagent), and finally with a complement source such as plasma. Complement is activated by the liposome-antibody-antigen-second antibody complex causing liposome lysis and a concomitant release of marker.

Abstract: Heterobifunctional reagents are used to conjugate molecules or macromolecular structures (e.g., antigens or antibodies) to membranes of non-nucleated or nucleated cells, or to liposomes, these cells being useful in highly sensitive hemolytic or immunocytoadherence assays to detect picogram quantities of antibodies or antigens.