Patent ID: 7432105
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: G01N,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample, the method comprising: i) contacting a test sample containing the analyte with detection probes having fluorescent non-magnetic particles conjugated with a first specific binding member, non-fluorescent magnetic particles that are conjugated with a second specific binding member for the analyte, and a predetermined amount of calibration probes wherein the analyte forms a sandwhich complex with the detection probe and the conjugated non-fluorescent magnetic particle; ii) separating the complex and the calibration probes from the test sample using a magnetic device; iii) exciting the separated complex and the separated calibration probes, wherein the excitation causes the separated complex to produce a detection signal and the separated calibration probes to produce a calibration signal; iv) measuring the intensity of the detection signal and the intensity of the calibration signal; and v) comparing the intensity of the detection signal to the calibration signal, wherein the amount of the analyte within the test sample is directly or inversely proportional to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal.