Abstract:
This invention presents novel reagents, separation techniques and assay procedures which allow both the indicator and the capture reagents to be in solution to avoid problems of slowed reaction kinetics. The separation procedure involves a soluble capture reagent, comprising a specific binding member attached to a charged substance, and a insoluble solid phase that is oppositely charged with respect to the charged substance included in the capture reagent. A test sample suspected of containing the analyte of interest is mixed with the capture reagent to form a charged capture reagent/analyte complex. The reaction mixture is contacted to the oppositely charged solid phase to attract, attach, and separate the capture reagent/analyte complexes and any unreacted capture reagent from the reaction mixture. With an appropriate indicator reagent, i.e., a second specific binding member which is conjugated to a label capable of producing a detectable signal, both sandwich and competitive assays can be performed.