Abstract: A test-tube for clinical chemistry analysis made up of a plurality of cells, each one of the cells comprising a lower portion for the collection of the reagent and a side intermediate portion provided with an edge for the storage of the sample to be tested upon the mixing thereof with the reagent. The cells are disposed in a straight configuration. The operations of the mixing of the samples with the reagents and the simultaneous stirring inside all cells, may be carried out by imparting the test-tube with an angular motion about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for depositing a plurality of discrete liquid assay test samples onto an absorbent assay support. Pursuant to the invention, a guide and positioning device is provided to receive and position a device for dispensing a plurality of discrete test samples such that the dispensing device is operable to dispense the plurality of test samples in accordance with a predetermined pattern. A planar absorbent assay support device is positioned at a position which is vertically spaced and aligned below the guide and positioning device to receive the discrete test samples dispensed by the dispensing device. In this manner, a plurality of discrete test sample spots may be rapidly absorbed onto the absorbent assay support device in accordance with the predetermined pattern for efficient, simultaneous processing in a chosen immunoassay system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for discriminating between cattle vaccinated against and those infected with Brucella spp. The method involves immunoassay using a purified polysaccharide containing 4,6-dideoxy-4-acylamido-D-mannopyranosyl units obtained from B. abortus or from cross-reacting organisms, and results in improved differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals. Test kits are also disclosed for performing the assay and a process is disclosed for obtaining the O-chain polysaccharides in high purity and yield.

Abstract: A chromatic test device for the performance of immuno- or chemical assays wherein a unitary planar fibrous filter body incorporates a sample application zone, a separation zone and a reaction zone and the application zone is in fluid communication with a first absorbent and the reaction zone is in fluid communication with a second absorbent to establish bilateral flow of the fluid component of the sample and of the analyte applied to the zones during the performance of an assay.

Abstract: Magnetic separation devices are described for use in immunoassay or hybridization assay procedures. The most preferred embodiments comprise a defined relationship between microtube and microtiter plate receiving orifices and rare earth cobalt magnets having predetermined magnetic field orientations.

Abstract: Liquid containers or receptacles are disclosed with cooperating means for rupturing the receptacles to release contained fluid to rain upon test specimens. Structure is disclosed for rupturing receptacles in response to relative motion occurring between receptacles and test specimen support members or in response to punch means formed integrally with a receptacle. A method of molding a liquid receptacle with an integrally formed punch means for rupturing the receptacle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An immunoassay device and a method of performing immunoassay using this immunoassay device are disclosed. The immunoassay device includes a plate substrate having a flat surface, a plurality of adjacent projections projecting on the flat surface of the plate substrate, and a plurality of immunoreaction regions formed by applying and fixing immunoassay reagents to and in flat regions defined by the adjacent projections. The immunoreaction regions are spaced apart from each other and have surface levels equal to or higher than a surface level of the plate substrate. The immunoassay device is used to simultaneously perform various types of immunoassay and requires a simple washing for immunoassay. Specimens do not flow out from the plate or mix with each other, and safe, accurate immunoassay can be performed.

Abstract: Assay methods and test kits for detection of antibodies having specificities for a variety of determinants in patient samples are disclosed. The assay is especially suitable for use in evaluating patients for their suitability to receive diagnostic and therapeutic immunoconjugates comprising immunoglobulin constituents derived, at least in part, from a non-human source. The assay methods and test kits utilize a target substance (e.g., immunoglobulin) which has substantially the same binding characteristics as a portion of the immunoconjugate proposed for in vivo administration. A plurality of target substance densities are used for assaying each patient specimen to provide an indication of both the level and relative affinity of circulating antibody capable of binding to the immunoconjugate proposed for treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods used to assay for particular complement component fragments. The invention can be used to determine the amount of a particular complement component fragment in a sample. The fragment can be fluid phase or bound to an immune complex. Generally, specific binding agents, such as antibodies, directed to the complement component fragments and immune complexes are used in the assay.

Abstract: A microtiter stick for use in performing immunochemical tests has a solid plastic body and a row of shallow wells (26). Each well is in the form of a truncated hemisphere, the bottom of which is an optically clear, circular, transparent, concave lens surface (26'). The remainder of the truncated hemisphere is stippled to render it translucent thereby to diffuse light and to increase the effective contact surface area of the well. A wall (31) surrounds the upper surface to create a reservoir so that all the wells (26) may be filled at one time. Lens surfaces (36) are formed in the bottom of the stick in optical alignment with the lens surface (26') in each well to create a planar-concave, clear, transparent lens at the bottom of each well.

Abstract: A micro-enzyme described immunosorbent assay (microELISA) method is described for detecting small amounts of thymosin alpha.sub.1 in a solution such as serum. The method uses a known amount of an antibody to the thymosin alpha.sub.1 which is reacted with the thymosin alpha.sub.1 in solution to form a first complex. The solution with the first complex and unreacted antibody is then contacted with thymosin alpha.sub.1 bound to a solid phase which quantitatively forms a second complex with the unreacted antibody. The amount of the second complex is determined and correlated with the amount of thymosin alpha.sub.1 of the solution. Thymosin alpha.sub.1 is an important hormone the presence or absence of which is significant clinically.

Abstract: A filter strip and composite assemblies for filtering microliter quantities of fluids. A linear array of wells having open top and bottom ends are connected by frangible webs in spaced-apart relation with discrete filter membranes closing the bottom ends of each well. Tabs are provided on the ends of the filter strip for holding the same and supporting the strip in a rectangular holder having alpha-numeric designations for identifying each well in a plurality of such filter strips contained within the holder. The filter strip may be used in a vacuum manifold for applying a pressure differential across the filter membrane and directing the filtrate into an aligned aperture of a closed bottom well of an array of wells held within the manifold. Alternatively, the filter strip may be used with a transfer plate for directing the filtrate from each well of the filter strip to an aligned well of a closed bottom array of wells.

Abstract: A rotary fluid manipulator utilizable as a diagnostic device includes a porous body having fluid passages defined therein by fluid blocking means in the porosities of the body such as openings or slots in the body or compaction of areas of the porous body to define fluid passages therebetween. Various substances or binding partners such as receptors, immunoassay or other assay test materials and test specimens can be deposited on the porous body to permit various types of test to be made by rotation of the manipulator to cause conjunctive centrifugal and wicking induced flow of fluids deposited thereupon.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided which automatically add diluent/quench reagent in such a manner as to enable adequate mixing as well as a short period for further mixing in automated immunoassay techniques. The probes for adding the diluent/quench reagents are offset from the optics module probe so that reagents are being added to a second row while the optics probe aspirates solutions from a first row.

Abstract: Human cancer is diagnosed/monitored by measuring the levels of N-[9-(.beta.-D-ribofuranosyl)purin-6-ylcarbamoyl]-L-threonine (t.sup.6 A), in a physiological fluid specimen of a subject by a quantitative immunoassay that employs a monoclonal anti-t.sup.6 A antibody and comparing that level to the level of t.sup.6 A that occurs in corresponding physiological fluid of normal subjects to determine whether the former is substantially elevated over the latter or by comparing that level to the level of t.sup.6 A present in specimens taken from the subject at different times.

Abstract: Samples e.g. transfusion blood, are assayed for antibodies to retroviruses, e.g. AIDS virus, using an insolubilized antigen comprising retrovirus antigens bound to globulin, the globulin itself being bound to an inert solid support; and an immunoglobulin which contains specific antibody to the retrovirus antigens and which is labelled with a revealing label, and the soluble phase is then separated from the insoluble phase and the quantity of revealing label associated with either the soluble or the insoluble phase determined.The sue of labelled antibody in competition with test sera for binding on the insolublized antigen permits better identification of antibody containing specimens. The retroviruses may be a human T-lymphotropic retrovirus HTLV-I, II or III or a new retrovirus isolate CBL-1 etiologically related to AIDS.

Abstract: A device for handling porous solid matrixes (16) in analytic determinations of the type comprising at least one reaction step, which is performed in the very matrixes by absorption of a liquid phase therein, comprises a holder (1) and at least one matrix carrier (2), each of which can retain a matrix (16) while at the same time permitting liquid which surrounds the matrix carrier to substantially unobstructedly be absorbed by the matrix. The holder (1) is provided with at least one gripping body (11) projecting therefrom, each of which can detachably carry a corresponding matrix carrier (2), and at least one squeezing body (11), each of which can be pressed against the porous matrix for squeezing out liquid from the same.

Abstract: A method for detecting boar taint in a pig sample is provided. Anti-skatole antibodies are combined in a reaction buffer with a pig sample to form a reaction mixture. After incubating, the amount of skatole-antibody complex formation is determined. In a particular embodiment, the method utilizes solid substrate-affixed antibodies in a competitive inhibition assay with an enzyme-labeled skatole analogue. Kits facilitating the method are also provided.

Abstract: A test card incorporates a colorimetric indicator test to determine the presence of a minute amount of a specific substance in a liquid medium. The test card includes top and bottom sheets adhesively secured to an intermediate frame member which, together with the top and bottom sheets, defines a filter chamber having a flat filter therein which incorporates a test portion. The test portion of the filter has a binding substrate to which antibodies of the specific substance have been bound. This binding substrate is in communication with a test port. In the method of the invention a substance to be tested is administered through the test port and contains an unknown amount of antigen. After the sample is administered an aqueous solution of enzyme labelled antigen is administered and, subsequently, a liquid substrate is added to cause a color change in the filter below the test portion inversely proportional to the amount of antigen contained in the sample administered at the test port.

Abstract: A magnetic separation rack and method for separating magnetically attractable particles used in an assay technique such as a heterogeneous diagnostic assay. The rack has a plurality of test tubes holders and a series of magnets positioned so that each test tube has one and only one magnetic immediately adjacent thereto. The magnet is on the side of the test tube at an upper position thereof without extending to the bottom. The particles are then attracted to the side of the test tube permitting removal or rinsing of the medium.

Abstract: A filter strip and composite assemblies for filtering microliter quantities of fluids wherein a linear array of wells having open top and bottom ends are connected by frangible webs in spaced-apart relation with discrete filter membranes closing the bottom ends of each well. Tabs are provided on the ends of the filter strip for holding the same and supporting the strip in a rectangular holder having alphanumeric designations for identifying each well in a plurality of such filter strips contained within the holder. The filter strip may be used in a vacuum manifold for applying a pressure differential across the filter membrane and directing the filtrate into an aligned aperture of a closed bottom well of an array of wells held within the manifold. Alternatively, the filter strip may be used with a transfer plate for directing the filtrate from each well of the filter strip to an aligned well of a closed bottom array of wells.

Abstract: A component for the rapid detection of anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies adapted for use as a selective foundation material in standard immunoassays is provided. The component comprises a quantity of fibronectin insolubilized to a solid matrix. The fibronectin component provides a foundation material for the selective binding of antigenic outer membrane proteins extracted from Treponema pallidum. Incorporation of the insolubilized fibronectin component bound to the antigenic outer membrane proteins extracted from Treponema pallidum into a standard immunoassay test pack provides an immunological assay for the presence of respective complementary anti-Treponema pallidum antibody in a biological sample.

Abstract: Assay methods are provided for determining an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method is carried out using a composition that includes a conjugate of a first sbp member with a particle. A luminescer is reversibly associated with a nonaqueous phase of the particle. Where the first sbp member is not complementary to the analyte, a second sbp member that is capable of binding to the first sbp member is employed. Unbound conjugate is separated from conjugate that is bound to the analyte or to the second sbp member. A reagent for enhancing the detectability of the luminescer is added and the light emission of the luminescer acted on by the reagent is measured.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing determinations of immune reactants (e.g., antigens, antibodies) in bodily fluids includes multiple test units having respective elongated rods with transversely-expanded tips at their distal ends. The tips are each coated with respective immune reactants (e.g., allergens of the type which react in a known manner with respective allergen-specific or allergen-binding antibodies in human serum. The test units are color-coded. By correlating the color code to a chart, the specific immune reactant (e.g., allergen) coating can be easily identified. The supporting strip for the test unit has through-holes which frictionally engage the proximal ends of the test unit rods with a spacing that permits all of the supported test units to be simultaneously inserted into an assembly of reaction containers arranged in a linear array.

Abstract: An immunoassay for an analyte is disclosed in which (a) sample, (b) an immobilized specific binding partner for the analyte and (c) the specific binding partner for the analyte conjugated to a detectable marker are reacted together in a single step. Competitive interference of the reagents is avoided by using reagent (c) in a slow-release form as a glaze coated on a surface in contact with the reaction liquid.

Abstract: A solid-phase immunoassay is provided for determination of HIV antigens in human physiological fluid. The immunoassay is characterized by the coating of a solid substrate with a unique monoclonal antibody which recognizes a common antigenic determinant of a group of HIV core antigens and no HIV envelope antigens of HIV. The test sample preferably also is subjected to a lysing reagent prior to the incubation for uniformly dispersing antigens which may be present in the test sample.

Abstract: An identification method, applicable to the identification of animals or inanimate objects, is described. The method takes advantage of a hithertofore unknown set of individual-specific, or IS antibodies, that are part of the unique antibody repertoire present in animals, by reacting an effective amount of IS antibodies with a particular panel, or n-dimensional array (where n is typically one or two) consisting of an effective amount of many different antigens (typically greater than one thousand), to give antibody-antigen complexes. The profile or pattern formed by the antigen-antibody complexes, termed an antibody fingerprint, when revealed by an effective amount of an appropriate detector molecule, is uniquely representative of a particular individual. The method can similarly by used to distinguish genetically, or otherwise similar individuals, or their body parts containing IS antibodies.

Abstract: For the determination of a reaction partner of an immunological reaction according to the principle of immunoassay, the reaction partner to be determined is brought into contact with a marked specific receptor R.sub.1 and at least 1 unmarked receptor R.sub.2, one of the unmarked receptors R.sub.2 being bonded on a solid phase by a binding-capable substance R.sub.3. In order to determine the sample blank value, the unmarked receptor R.sub.2, which is bonded by the receptor fixed on the solid phase, is then replaced by another unmarked receptor R'.sub.2 which does not react with the reaction partner of R.sub.2 to be determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid immunoagglutination method for direct determination of the presence of HIV in body fluids to detect early injectio by HIV. The method employs polyclonal anti-HIV 1gG purified from the sera of known HIV injected individuals and absorbed onto carboxylate modified latex beads.

Abstract: A solid-phase immunoassay is provided for determination of members of an immunological pair such as antigen and/or antibody of a single binding pair in human physiological fluid, wherein a single immunoassay enables simultaneous detection of antigen and/or antibody of a single binding pair in a test sample which may have circulating antigen and/or antibody. The immunoassay is characterized by the addition of an amount of antigen or "spike" of the binding pair to the test sample prior to incubation of the test sample in the presence of a solid-phase absorbed antibody of the binding pair. The test sample preferably also is subjected to a lysing reagent prior to the incubation for uniformly dispensing antigens which may be present in the test sample.

Abstract: An immunochemical assay, particularly an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been developed to detect in a sample of human body fluid the presence of antibodies against neuropeptides or drugs. The assay makes it possible to correlate and diagnose psychobiological disorders related to the alteration in the normal level of neuropeptides or their receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable test kit which contains selected reactants, or reagents, necessary for the rapid concentration and detection of selected antigens from biologic extracts. Typically, and preferably, the time required for concentration and detection is less than one hour. The present kit includes internal false position and false negative controls and suitably has a standard color code to assist in the interpretation of the test results. The present kit is a unitary, compartmented package having a reaction chamber, preferably centrally located thereon, and at least one reagent storage chamber. Each reagent storage chamber is connected to the reaction chamber through a valve means which allows fluid flow from the reagent chamber to the reaction chamber, but inhibits flow from the reaction chamber to the reagent chamber. The top portions of the reagent chambers are fabricated of a flexible, or pliable, material, preferably transparent or semi-transparent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the sampling of liquids which permeate dialysis membranes, comprising cells bounded by two such membranes. The device according to the invention is suited for determining hydrochemical profiles of groundwater, in lakes and the like. The device according to the invention is a modular one, comprising a plurality of consecutive dialysis cells, spaced at predetermined intervals, in a support system. The sampler is introduced into the liquid and left there for an adequate period of time to establish an equilibrium. After removal, each of the cells is analysed and provides information on the composition of the liquid at the given depth.

Abstract: A method for identifying and quantifying allergen specific IgE levels in patent serum by conjugating the IgE in the serum with allergens adhering to an insoluble support, conjugating the serum IgE with an enzyme labeled anti-IgE antibody, contacting the enzyme label with a solution of a substrate which will yield a fluorescent product in the presence of the enzyme, and measuring the level of fluorescence in the solution. Special reagents and their manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple dose reagent pack and corresponding carousel for an automated analyzer are disclosed. The reagent pack contains a plurality of vial-receiving wells which receive and hold a plurality of reagent-containing vials to form a unitary reagent pack. The carousel contains a plurality of radially spaced compartments which are adapted to receive and hold either a reagent pack or a sample container. A corresponding plurality of reaction container openings are provided on the carousel. Reagent packs for specific assays can be selectively interspersed with sample containers in the compartments to provide a wide variety of test combinations.

Abstract: A method for identifying and quantifying total IgE levels in patient serum by conjugating the IgE in the serum with anti-IgE antibody adhering to an insoluble support, conjugating the serum IgE with an enzyme labeled anti-IgE antibody, contacting the enzyme label with a solution of a substrate which will yield a fluorescent product in the presence of the enzyme, and measuring the level of fluoresence in the solution. Special reagents and their manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for identifying and quantifying allergen specific IgE levels in patient serum by conjugating the serum IgE with allergens on an insoluble support, conjugating the serum IgE with an enzyme labeled anti-IgE antibody, contacting the enzyme with a solution of a substrate which will yield a fluorescent product in the presence of the enzyme, and measuring the level of fluoresence in the solution.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies, and hybridoma cell lines for their production, that bind with a high degree of specificity proteins associated with HTLV-III virus are presently disclosed. In particular, transmembrane envelope glycoprotein gp41 (41,000 dalton molecular size), major core antigen p24 (24,000 dalton molecular size), and p17 protein (17,000 dalton molecular size) are disclosed. The proteins to which the present monoclonal antibodies respond are essentially antigenically distinct from HTLV-I and HTLV-II. SVM-16 is an IgM monoclonal antibody, SVM-23 is an IgG.sub.2 monoclonal antibody, and SVM-26 is an IgG.sub.1 monoclonal antibody, all of which bind to p24. SVM-25 is an IgG.sub.1 monoclonal antibody binding gp41, and SVM-33 is an IgG.sub.1 monoclonal antibody binding p17. All the monoclonal antibodies of the present invention are produced in hybridoma cells prepared by fusing myeloma cells with spleen cells from mammals, such as mice, immunized with lysates of purified virus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a container for storing a reagent and then for reacting the reagent to produce a signal representative of the presence of an analyte, or of the amount of that analyte. The container is disposable and comprises at least one compartment having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion comprises a stored reagent and means for retaining for observation on an indicator surface a reaction product of such reagent following a reaction of the reagent with a liquid sample. The lower portion includes means for absorbing liquid extracted from the upper portion through the retaining means. The absorbing means is configured with a shape that contacts the confining means only at locations spaced inwardly away from at least two of the side walls of the upper portion, whereby the reaction product of the liquid sample and the reagent is induced to flow into the confining means away from the two side walls to produce a uniform signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for detecting on a nitrocellulose-type sheet the presence of macro-molecular complexes, having:a bottom adapted to receive said nitrocellulose sheet,a plate adapted to rest on said nitrocellulose sheet applied on the bottom and having a plurality of parallel grooves that pass through said plate over the whole of its thickness and over the whole length of said grooves.

Abstract: A multiwell plate suitable for use in a spectrometer which uses a vertical beam of light comprising a first plate having a plurality of wells for receiving sample, wherein the wells have transparent bottom surfaces to allow for the transmission of a vertical beam of light, and a unitary insert comprising a biochemically compatible microporous surface capable of binding biological materials shaped to fit into at least one well of the plate without interfering with the vertical beam of light.

Abstract: A method for reducing false positives and to assay background noise in solid phase immunoassays utilizes a matrix coated on a solid support, which matrix contains an effective amount of a noise reduction component and an effective amount of noise balancing component. Optimization of the matrix composition is obtained by measuring parameters for its effectiveness which include sensitivity ratio, noise balance ratio, and signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: An immunoassay device comprising a support which has a substantially planar surface 14 on which is located an array of small, closely-spaced, discrete, antibody coated areas (spots) 17. A cover 16 is spaced from the support surface 14 and is positioned over the array of antibody coated spots 17. The cover is attached to the support surface to provide an enclosed chamber 30. In the cover there is at least one aperture communicating with the interior of the chamber 30 for introducing a liquid sample into the chamber. In addition, there is at least one additional aperture 34 in the cover, which also communicates with the interior of the chamber to allow air to escape upon introduction of the sample into the chamber. When a cell sample is introduced into the chamber it immediately fills the chamber and cells will settle uniformly over the matrix. The antibody-coated spots function as tiny immunoadsorbents for cells bearing antigens recognized by the antibody.

Abstract: A multi-channel pipetter has a U-shaped housing with horizontal upper and lower arms and an interconnecting hand grip portion. A plurality of nozzles that serve to support replaceable tips are mounted on the lower arm in a vertical orientation and are connected by a flexible tubing that extends upwardly through the grip portion to a circular array of cylinders disposed horizontally in the upper arm. A piston-cylinder-volume setting mechanism is horizontally disposed in the upper arm. The mechanism is actuated by a trigger on the hand grip portion and the volume is controlled by a micrometer head which operates a stop within the upper arm. A tip ejector is mounted in the lower arm which provides substantial mechanical advantage for stripping the tips from the nozzles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a thermostated cuvette set in which samples placed in the cuvettes are measured photometrically. Cuvettes of uniform wall thickness are permanently fixed to the bottom of a basin-shaped frame. The cuvettes are connected by partition walls to each other and to the walls of the basin to form arrays of cuvettes defining a path for flow of the thermostating medium. In a preferred embodiment the path is serpentine. The cuvette set also includes at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening in the wall of the basin for circulation of the thermostating medium.

Abstract: A carrier coated with antibodies or antigens is proposed, which performs a serological reaction with human, animal or plant material to be investigated and which is received in a multi-well plate. The carrier is made from nitrocellulose or a material having the adsorption characteristics of nitrocellulose and its shape is adapted to the multi-well plate used for performing serological reactions and is introduced into the latter. A plastic reinforcing structure provides support for the coated carrier. The coated carrier is not completely bound to the plastic reinforcing structure, so that both sides of the carrier will be contacted by material in the multi-well plate.

Abstract: A method of testing a fluid sample for the presence of antibodies against a micro-organism, which comprises contacting the sample with fixed cells or fragments of cells infected with the micro-organism, and determining the presence of antibody bound to the cell-associated antigens, in which the determination is by virtue of a color change visible to the naked-eye at the site of the antibodies. For use in a testing method of this type, a test component comprises upper and lower layers, in which the upper layer has an array of apertures through which discrete areas on the lower layer are exposed, and in which the lower layer carries, in some at least of the discrete areas, fixed cells or cell fragments infected by a micro-organism.

Abstract: An assay for an immunologically active substance (B) in a biologically derived test sample comprising using an immuno-active membrane of a hydrophobic polymer sheet having numerous hydrophilic spots, on which a prefixed amount of an immuno-active substance (A) or (B) has been immobilized, and a coloring-membrane having numerous spots which contain a color-producing reagent being capable of developing color by the catalytic effect of an enzyme at the corresponding positions to those of the immuno-active membrane, and making contact the immuno-active membrane with said test sample in the presence of an enzyme-labeled immuno-active substance (A') or (B') and a substrate for reacting the substance (A), substance (B) and enzyme-labeled substance (A') or (B') competitively or non-competitively, and superposing the coloring-membrane of on the immuno-active membrane, followed by colorimetrically measuring the resulting color and thereby determining the amount of the substance (B) in the test sample.

Abstract: An immunoassay device including one or more reaction chambers, each adapted to receive and retain a volume of test fluid in fluid communication with nonoverlapping first, second, and third reagent-bearing surfaces. To the first surface is reversibly bound an analyte conjugate: analyte component conjugated to one or more components, termed ligand/marker, that serve ligand and marker functions as described herein. Analyte binding partner is immobilized on the second surface, and ligand/marker binding partner is immobilized on the third surface. The reaction chamber is preferably configured to receive and direct the test fluid sequentially past the first second, and third reagent surfaces. In use, analyte conjugate solubilized from the first surface completes with any analyte in the test fluid for analyte binding partner sites on the second surface.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay support matrix is prepared by coating a support matrix with a polymer resistant to nonspecific protein binding and immobilizing the desired biologically active agent on the polymer surface.