Abstract: A method for interfering with the binding between p53 and MDM2 or a protein having a p53 binding site analogous to that of MDM2, which method comprises administering a effective amount of a compound, selected from the group consisting of a peptide having up to twenty eight amino acids which is able to disrupt or prevent binding between p53 and MDM2, or a functional peptide analogue thereof.Compounds for use in the method, methods for detecting such compounds and their application in the diagnosis and treatment of tumours is also described and claimed.

Abstract: Antibodies made to a flanking region GPR(31-98) in human gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) precursor. Since the antibodies have high affinity to GRP precursor, and the GPR precursor is highly stable in the blood, then lung cancer, especially small cell lung cancer can be diagnosed with high reliability by detecting or measuring GRP precursor in the blood of a patient using the present antibodies.

Abstract: A combinatorial library is disclosed which is represented by Formula ##STR1## wherein: ##STR2## is a solid support; T'-L- is an identifier residue; and -L'-II' is a ligand/linker residue. This library contains hydroxypropylamines of the formula:Aa.sup.1 -Aa.sup.2 -(CH.sub.2 Ar.sup.1)-CH.sub.2 CHOH-CH.sub.2 XR.sup.1IIwherein:Aa.sup.1 and Aa.sup.2 is each an amino acid joined to each other through an amide bond;Ar.sup.1 is an aromatic ring system;--CH.sub.2 Ar.sup.1 is attached to N on Aa.sup.2 ; andR.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1-20 alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl or heteroaryl fused to a 3- or 4-membered moiety to form a non-aromatic second ring, or substituted C.sub.1-20 alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel human polynucleotide sequences and the recombinant human DRADA proteins encoded thereby and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: By using an assay device comprising a sample-receiving port, a pump-connection port, a sample-treating zone which is provided with a labeled substance with a label, a sample-treating and optical-measuring zone which has a porous material having immobilized thereto one of a specifically binding pair, and a pathway interconnecting these zones and ports, wherein the sample-treating zone and the sample-treating and optical-measuring zone are positioned between the sample-receiving port and the pump-connection port;or by using an assay device comprising a sample-receiving port, a pump-connection port, a sample-treating and optical-measuring zone which has a porous material having immobilized thereto a labeled substance with a label and one of a specifically binding pair, and a pathway interconnecting these zone and ports, wherein the sample-treating and optical-measuring zone is positioned between the sample-receiving port and the pump-connection port,biological components can be quantitatively determined by immun

Abstract: An immunoscintillating composition and method of radioimmunoassay is disclosed whereby polymer coated paramagnetic particles and binding agent such as an antibody are associated by chemical or physical means to provide solid scintillating immunoadsorbent particles which are paramagnetic. These particles are capable of selectively binding or retaining radioactive or labeled antigens or ligands and transmitting radioactive energy to a phosphor or photon emitting substance that is bound by chemical or physical means to the particles. Upon binding of the antigens or ligands to the surface of the particles the particles are separated from the unbound components in solution by application of a magnetic field. The luminescence emitted by the phosphor which is attached to the magnetically separated particles is measured by a scintillator counter and is directly proportional to the radioactive energy released by the labeled antigen bound to the antibody.

Abstract: Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials with remotely addressable or remotely programmable recording devices that contain at least one data storage unit are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The data storage units are preferably non-volatile antifuse memories. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binary assay method capable of providing wide dynamic range, a high degree of precision and rapid processing times in which analyte is reacted successively with two independently determinable forms of solid-supported binding partner and also with a labelled ligand having affinity for the analyte or binding partner. The analyte concentration is determined from signals deriving from the resulting two forms of analyte-binding partner-labelled ligand systems by reference to a double standard calibration curve. A kit for use in the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and test kits are described which provide a reliable, sensitive and selective assessment of periodontal disease activity, peri-implantitis or HIV(+)-infection/AIDS-disease related periodontal diseases. The preferred methods and test kits are constructed to be easy and rapid chair-side tests. The method is based on the preparation and use of monoclonal antibodies which recognize the active mammalian matrix metalloproteinase-S (MMP-8) and is capable of differentiating between said active matrix metalloproteinase-8 and its inactive proform.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an m.times.n array of different chemical compounds wherein each of said compounds has at least one structural diversity element selected from a group of amines and ketones and wherein the scaffold structure is selected from a group consisting of aminimide, imidazolone, sulfonylaminimide and phosphonylaminimide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binary assay method capable of providing wide dynamic range and a high degree of precision in which analyte and labelled ligand are reacted with two independently determinable forms of solid-supported binding partners having affinity for the analyte and labelled ligand, respectively. The analyte concentration is determined from signals deriving from the resulting two forms by reference to a double standard calibration curve. A kit for use in the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detection, a sensor and a test-kit which find application in immunological detection (e.g., immunoassay). The invention provides, inter alia, a method of detection, suitable for use in immunological detection of an entity, which method includes the use of a secondary species (as defined in the specification), the use of a first detectable species, and the use of a second detectable species. The method may include, for example, the use of a primary species, a secondary species, a first detectable species and a second detectable species. The primary species may be, for example, an antibody or a ligand. The secondary species may be, for example, an auxiliary species such as an auxiliary binder or an auxiliary ligand, or a species which has a part which is an auxiliary function. The entity to be detected may be an analyte species as such or may be an entity which carries or includes analytes species.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test cell and a method for detection of a preselected ligand in a liquid sample such as a body fluid. The test cell includes an elongate outer casing which houses an interior permeable material capable of transporting an aqueous solution and defining a sample inlet, a test volume, and a reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is disposed in a section of the test cell spaced apart from the inlet and is filled with sorbent material. The reservoir acts to receive liquid transported along a flow path defined by the permeable material and extending from the inlet and through the test volume. In the test volume is a test site which includes a first protein having a binding site specific to a first epitope of the ligand immobilized in fluid communication with the flow path. The test site can be observed through a window of the casing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay device without a plastic housing. The assay includes a sample receiving region, analyte detection region and end region all made of porous material and capable of lateral flow. The analyte detection region includes labeling reagents, a capture reagent and a control reagent. The back of the porous material is laminated with a semi-rigid material with adequate mechanical strength. The top is partially covered with a thin plastic material so as to leave a portion of the sample receiving region exposed for sample application.

Abstract: The invention provides an antibody which reacts selectively with a transferrin homolog found in alcoholics but not in non-alcoholics. The invention also provides methods of making the antibody and hybridomas producing the antibody. Finally, the invention provides an immunoassay which utilizes the antibody to detect or quantitate the alcoholic transferrin homolog and a kit for an immunoassay which comprises a container of the antibody.

Abstract: A method for increasing the binding activity of specific binding members bound to a solid phase material, e.g., a particle, that has been sterically stabilized. This increase in binding activity is brought about by degrading a steric stabilizer on the surface of the solid phase material. The method involves both immobilizing a specific binding member on the surface of a solid phase material and degrading a steric stabilizer on the surface of that solid phase material. In the preferred embodiment, the method involves the immobilization of a specific binding member on the surface of the sterically stabilized solid phase material, with subsequent degradation of the steric stabilizer.

Abstract: Insoluble supports are prepared which possess high surface areas and efficiently dispersed isocyanate groups. These reactive supports are useful for covalently binding proteins which preferably are enzymes and provide catalysts for conducting organic reactions.

Abstract: Immunoassays of psychoactive drugs including psychotomimetic drugs, narcotic drugs, and tetrahydrocannabinols and treatment methods based on the antigenic properties of protein conjugates of these drugs. These methods are based upon treating the psychoactive substances as haptens and utilizing their protein conjugates to produce antibodies to the psychoactive materials themselves. The immunoassay methods include both agglutination and agglutination-inhibition reactions. The treatment methods include treatment of both exogenous, administered drugs (such as cannabinols, LSD, heroin and morphine) and endogenous substances (such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine), by active immunization and also passive immunization.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting or quantitating each of a plurality of substances or at least one substance and an internal reference material or control material in a test sample using at least two different luminescent labelled conjugates. Each luminescent labelled conjugate being characterized in being activated to emit light under different process conditions. The invention also provides for test kits containing at least two different luminescent labelled conjugates for detecting or quantitating presence or absence of at least two substances or at least one substance an internal reference material or control material in a test sample.

Abstract: A method and kit for measurement of asteroid by means of a competitive immunoassay, preferably a competitive enzyme immunoassay. The method and kit involve the use of asteroid analogue conjugated to a label. The steroids that are amenable to detection by the method and kit of the present invention include estradiol and progesterone.The method comprises the steps of:a. incubating a mixture of a test sample suspected of containing a given steroid, a solid phase coupled to an antibody specific for that steroid, and a conjugate of an analogue of that steroid to form steroid/antibody complexes and conjugate/antibody complexes on said solid phase;b. separating said solid phase from said mixture;c. measuring the amount of label present in said mixture or in said solid phase; andd. determining the amount of steroid in said sample from the amount of label.The kit comprises a solid phase coupled to an antibody specific for a steroid and a conjugate of an analogue of that steroid.

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, comprises a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, wherein the mobility is facilitated by a material comprising a sugar, in an amount effective to reduce interaction between the test strip and the labelled reagent, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabelled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilised on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the t

Abstract: A device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. The device comprises a conventionl hematology analyzer integrated with a fluorescence cyometry analyzer. A controller is provided for controlling the analyzers, obtaining and utilizing data from both and reporting a quantitative result. Methods are also provided for analyzing a whole blood sample. One such method comprises the steps of performing on a single instrument an analysis of impedance associated with the blood sample, an analysis of light scatter associated with the blood sample, and an analysis of fluorescence associated with the blood sample. Data is collected and utilized. A result is reported.

Abstract: An assay device for detecting the presence of analytes in an unknown sample includes a reaction system wherein resilient storage reservoirs containing reagents are fluidly connected to a track containing the sample. An actuation mechanism forces the reagent from each of the reservoirs into the track where the reagents mix together and with the sample. The mechanism produces a first flow rate and the mechanism is operable to reverse the pressure applied to the reservoirs to reverse the direction of flow of the fluids in the track for a predetermined period of time after which the flow is again reversed. The mechanism then reduces the force applied to allow a second flow rate less than the first flow rate so that reaction can occur whereby a determination may be made as to whether the target analyte is present in the sample.

Abstract: A fluorescent labelling composition comprises a linear polysaccharide backbone molecule having a plurality of target-binding molecules, such as antibodies or nucleic acids, attached at spaced-apart intervals thereon. Each of the target-binding molecules, in turn, includes a multiplicity of fluorescent dye molecules bound thereto. In this way, fluorescent signal introduced to a single target-site on a solid phase surface may be increased without loss of binding activity.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies have been prepared which are of the IgG isotype and are highly specific for horseradish peroxidase. One group of antibodies inhibits at least about 95% of the normal activity of horseradish peroxidase when bound to the enzyme. A second group of antibodies inhibits less than about 20% of the enzymatic activity when bound to the enzyme, but prevents the binding of the antibodies from the first group. The antibodies in either group can be conjugated to specific binding ligands such as drugs or hormones.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of collagen as solid binding substrate for a sensor called ligand or refining agent, capable of reacting specifically with an element to be detected in a biological medium, to form a specific complex.Preferably, the solid substrate comprises atelocollagen or a mixture of atelocollagen and of polyholoside.The invention thus makes it possible to provide a biological reactant of high specificity and of which the constituents are of natural origin. It can be used easily and quickly.

Abstract: Immunoassays of psychoactive drugs including psychotomimetic drugs, narcotic drugs, and tetrahydrocannabinols and treatment methods based on the antigenic properties of protein conjugates of these drugs. These methods are based upon treating the psychoactive substances as haptens and utilizing their protein conjugates to produce antibodies to the psychoactive materials themselves. The immunoassay methods include both agglutination and agglutination-inhibition reactions. The treatment methods include treatment or both exogenous, administered drugs (such as cannabinols, LSD, heroin and morphine) and endogenous substances (such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine by active immunization and also passive immunization.

Abstract: A method combining the techniques of immunoaffinity separation and continuous flow centrifugal separation is provided for selective separation of a nucleated heterogeneous cell population from a heterogeneous cell mixture. The heterogeneous cell mixture is intimately contacted to promote binding thereto by particles having attached a substance that actively binds to a specific desired type of cell out of the cell mixture. The particles are selected so that the sedimentation velocity of the particle/cell conjugate differs sufficiently from those of other cells in the cell mixture to allow its separation by means of a continuous flow cell separator.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. The device comprises a conventional hematology analyzer integrated with a fluorescence cytometry analyzer. A controller is provided for controlling the analyzers, obtaining and utilizing data from both and reporting a quantitative result. Methods are also provided for analyzing a whole blood sample. One such method comprises the steps of performing on a single instrument an analysis of impedance associated with the blood sample, an analysis of light scatter associated with the blood sample, and an analysis of fluorescence associated with the blood sample. Data is collected and utilized. A result is reported.

Abstract: Stabilized microspherical particles having hydrophobic liquid cores prepared as oil-in-water microemulsions. The particles are stabilized by a surface layer comprising an amphiphilic compound and may be functionalized to allow covalent coupling of a ligand to the surface of the particle. When used as tracers in assays, a water insoluble dye may be incorporated in the core liquid of the microparticles.

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, includes a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, wherein the mobility is facilitated by a material comprising sugar, in a amount effective to reduce interaction between the test strip and the labelled reagent, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabeled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilized on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the two zo

Abstract: Stabilized microspherical particles having hydrophobic liquid cores prepared as oil-in-water microemulsions. The particles are stabilized by a surface layer comprising an amphiphilic compound and may be functionalized to allow covalent coupling of a ligand to the surface of the particle. When used as tracers in assays, a water insoluble dye may be incorporated in the core liquid of the microparticles.

Abstract: A process for preparing a purified syphilis antigen which comprises adsorbing an extract originated from Treponemda pallidum on a hydroxyapatite gel, followed by elution, while an aqueous medium is used.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simple and rapid preparation of reusable, addressable surface-immobilized arrays of biomolecules (libraries) used for screening for interaction with any biologically significant target. A special plate having on or in its surface a plurality of discreet functionalized substrate areas, typically in arrays of 10.times.10 to 400.times.400, is provided for chemical synthesis or bonding thereon of desired families of biomolecules (e.g. peptides, DNA, RNA, oligosaccharides). In the case of peptides, such as hexapeptides, the resulting permanently hexapeptide-loaded plate is a reusable Addressable Synthetic Peptide Combinatorial Library (ASPCL), in which 1 to 3 (typically two) of the positions in the sequence are uniquely identified by the address location. The preferred plate embodiment employs an HPMP wink of porous polyolefin removably received in holes in the plate. A unique multi-slot block assembly is used to prepare the ASPCLs.

Abstract: A method for the flow cytometric assay of an analyte using monodisperse particles carrying a specific binding partner, the analyte and binding partner being selected from the group consisting of (a) antigen and specific antibody, (b) hormone and hormone receptor, (c) hapten and antihapten, (d) polynucleotide and polynucleotide binding protein, (e) biotin and avidin or streptavidin, (f) enzyme and enzyme cofactor and (g) lectin and specific carbohydrate, and the method comprising the steps of adding to the aqueous sample a predetermined amount of particles and a predeterminded amount of a labelled ligand having affinity for the analyte or the binding partner and detecting and quantifying the resulting labelled ligand-carrying particles by a flow cytometer, the method using a pair of different particle types which are distinguishable from each other by the flow cytometer and which respectively carry binding partners having the same specificity but different binding affinity for the analyte and independently but

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the presence of a class of an antibody in a biological sample. In this method, a first reagent including insoluble particles having an antigen to the antibody immobilized on the surface thereof, and a second reagent including insoluble magnetic particles having immobilized on the surface thereof a substance particularly reactive to a specific immunoglobulin class, is reacted with the sample under conditions to promote agglutination of the first and second reagents with the antibody. The unreacted second reagent and the agglutinate are separated from the unreacted first reagent by application of a magnetic field. Then the amount of unreacted first reagent is determined.

Abstract: A macromolecular microparticle composition formed by dehydrating an aqueous macromolecule solution and crosslinking the dehydrated macromolecules with a crosslinking agent while in a liquid phase or with heat. Preferably, the dehydrating agent is a polymer mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol, the crosslinking reagent is glutaraldehyde, and the macromolecule is a protein, most preferably an immunoglobulin. Methods of use for research, diagnostics and therapeutics are also provided.

Abstract: A separation procedure for separating a selected desired or undesired population from a biological sample utilizing relatively heavy, dense particles and gravity sedimentation. The particles have one or more reactants bound thereto which are specific to and will bind with the selected population. The particles preferably are mixed with the sample by repeatedly causing the particles to settle through a substantial portion of the sample to bind to the selected population. The particles with the bound selected population then are allowed to preferentially settle in the sample and the supernatant including the non-selected population is separated from the particles with the selected population bound thereto. The particles can be heated for sterilization and endotoxin removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining analytes, in which a sample of a biological material which possibly contains this analyte is incubated with at least one binding partner which is specific for the analyte and which is immobilized on a particulate carrier material, and the change in turbidity brought about by the analyte is determined.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of analyte in a test fluid by immunochromatography techniques which involves quantitatively determining the signals from captured analyte/labeled binding partner complex by an instrument, e.g. reflectance spectrometer. In a preferred embodiment, a reflectance reading is determined for the captured complex and uncomplexed labeled binding partner which is captured in a separate zone of the immunochromatographic strip and the ratio of these reflectances is used to provide additional quantitation to the assay method.

Abstract: A method for detecting multiple subpopulations of analytes of interest in a sample employing a complementary binding moiety to each of said analytes bound to a solid support, wherein each analyte and its complementary binding moiety comprise first and second members of a specific binding pair (msbp) respectively is provided. The method includes the steps of forming a mixture of known proportions of multiple subpopulations of said complementary binding moieties, wherein each subpopulation comprises a different complementary binding moieties, contacting the sample with the mixture so that specific binding pairs are formed on the solid supports, and relating the presence of analytes of interest in the sample to the formation of specific binding pairs associated with each unique proportion of said multiple subpopulations. The method can be performed with solid supports of a single average size and a single fluorochrome and without the need for using three detection systems (fluorescence FS & SS).

Abstract: Specific binding ligands can be detected with an assay which utilizes an immobilized receptor for the ligand, a reporter enzyme, an inhibitor antibody and an anti-inhibitor antibody. Both antibodies are specific for the reporter enzyme. The inhibitor antibody effectively shuts down the activity of the reporter enzyme when it is complexed thereto. The anti-inhibitor antibody binds to the reporter enzyme, does not affect the enzymatic activity, but prevents the binding of the inhibitor enzyme. This assay provides a direct correlation of the target specific binding ligand to the signal generated without the use of separation or wash steps.

Abstract: The invention provides phospholipid coated particles capable of specifically binding antiphospholipid antibodies and a method for preparing such particles. Methods are also provided for determining antiphospholipid antibodies in a serum or plasma. Also provided are methods for isolating antiphospholipid antibodies from a fluid and for raising specific antiphospholipid antibodies.

Abstract: The binding site on an immunoglobulin for a protein is blocked by hydrophobically coupling the immunoglobulin to a blocking agent such as a label. This results in a detection reagent useful in a variety of test assays in which a protein and an immunoglobulin are advantageously used together, but separately. The reagent is useful in the simultaneous determination of IgG and one of IgA or IgM. Anti-IgA-IgG or anti-IgM-IgG is coupled to a hydrophobic label, particularly a pigment or dye, which label blocks the binding site on IgG for Protein A, and labeled Protein A is added.

Abstract: A non-invasive method to measure total body tissue iron stores comprising recovering iron released from total ferritin contained in a body fluid sample derived from a host, measuring the ferritin-iron in the total ferritin and thereby determining total body tissue iron stores. Such an assay is utilized for diagnosing negative iron balance as well as positive iron balance, wherein the latter promotes cancer, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, and hepatic failure among other diseases, as well as the susceptibility to such diseases.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the determination of the content of a particular haemoglobin derivative in a blood sample. In particular, the invention concerns a method for the determination of the content of haemoglobin derivatives such as glycated haemoglobin which require the separate determination of the total haemoglobin content and the determination of the haemoglobin derivative in order to determine the proportion of the derivatized haemoglobin in the blood as well as a suitable haemolysis reagent for this.

Abstract: An antibody test suitable for the rapid detection of ciguatoxin and other related low molecular weight polyether marine lipid toxins in fish tissue in the field or laboratory is disclosed. The test utilizes the reaction between antibody coated, mixed latex beads and any lipids in an extract of a sample of fish tissue eluted in a solvent. The presence of toxins is determined within about thirty minutes by ascending chromatography, which separates the mixed beads. The toxin concentration is determined by reference to standard data. A kit suitable for performing the testing procedure in the field is also disclosed. The kit includes a support having a nylon membrane covering, and antibody coated, mixed beads applied on the membrane, a testing container, a supply of solvent and a biopsy tool.

Abstract: An improved one-step immunochromatographic assay which involves the binding of a predetermined amount of analyte to an antibody, enabling the control of the assay sensitivity, is disclosed. The system is especially useful as a controlled sensitivity fecal occult blood assay. Antibodies to a desired analyte, present at a predetermined concentration, are deposited on the sample pad of the reaction unit. The antibody binds analyte present in the sample, up to a threshold amount. Analyte which is present in the sample at a level above the threshold amount proceeds unbound through the sample pad and onto a membrane, where it reacts with an antibody-coated latex and a second, immobilized antibody to generate a positive signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunoassay methods for detecting and measuring the amount of an analyte in a sample by means of generic anti-hapten antibodies. Also disclosed are multi-analyte immunoassay methods. Reagents, devices, and kits using the anti-hapten antibodies are also disclosed. The present invention also relates to immunoassay methods for detecting and measuring the amount of an analyte in a sample by means of a dual antibody format.The present invention also relates to dyed erythrocytes, preferably fixed, which are coated with antibodies. Also disclosed is the use of these dyed erythrocytes in agglutination assays to detect and measure the presence of an analyte in a sample. The analyte can be a hapten, an antigen, or an antibody. Also included are agglutination assays, compositions and kits using these dyed and coated erythrocytes.

Abstract: An immunoassay method for the detection or quantitation of an analyte suspected of being in a solution comprising: (a) combining said specimen, a first binding component, insoluble particles, and second binding component labelled with a signal generating material in a solid phase retention and separation apparatus having a sufficient pore size such that said particles are trapped within said filter yet permitting rapid passage of fluid therethrough in such a manner that an immunological reaction occurs if analyte is present in said specimen, resulting in the formation of an immunocomplex of insolublized first binding component:analyte:second labelled binding component on or within said filter means; (b) separating bound from unbound material; and (c) determining the presence and/or amount of signal produced which is correlative with the amount of analyte present in the solution.