Patent ID: 8124348
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for screening for HCV exposure in humans that utilizes an immunoassay for detection of molecule(s) capable of recognizing multiple classes of anti-HCV molecules simultaneously in oral fluid samples comprising the following steps: (a) obtaining a sample of oral fluid from a human patient; (b) introduction of a labelled anti-human IgG+IgM+IgA antibody cocktail to label IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies present in the oral fluid sample; (c) introduction of the labeled fluid into a flow through affinity matrix having a trapping zone comprised of immobilized HCV peptide antigens; (d) selectively capturing labeled antibodies which are specific for the HCV peptide antigens present within the trapping zone of the flow through affinity matrix; (e) measuring the binding reaction between the human antibodies and the HCV peptide antigens within the trapping zone by amplified enzymatic reaction, thereby detecting the presence of or the level of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies present in the oral fluid sample, wherein the presence of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies in the oral fluid sample is indicative of HCV exposure in humans to HCV virus.