Patent ID: 6114179
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of detecting a target antibody or antigen, the method comprising:providing a microreaction vessel containing a slurry or suspension of particles and a known target or binding partner thereto, wherein the vessel has an upper portion having a sample receiving end and a lower portion having a closed end, the upper portion having a greater diameter or width than the lower portion, with a transition portion situated between the upper portion and the lower portion;adding to the vessel a solution containing an optically-detectable carrier, wherein a target for the known binding partner or a binding partner for the known target, if present, is bound or becomes bound to the carrier, to allow the formation of a complex between (1) the carrier-bound target and the known binding partner, or (2) the carrier-bound binding partner and the known target, respectively;centrifuging the vessel; andobserving the location of the carrier to determine the presence of the target antibody or antigen to be detected, with a strongly positive reaction being indicated by the complex lying upon or in a top portion of a layer of the particles, and a negative reaction being indicated by the absence of a complex, with the carrier lying beneath the particles.