Patent ID: 7659085
Filing Date: 2010-02-09
Classification: G01N,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of simultaneously detecting and distinguishing a plurality of antigens in a sample, comprising: (a) combining a sample comprising a plurality of antigens with a plurality of different fluorescent antibody-bead complexes wherein each antibody specifically binds to an antigen if present in said sample, wherein each member of the plurality of fluorescent antibody-bead complexes comprises a different antibody and a different first fluorescent label, (b) labeling said antigens with a second fluorescent label that differs from any of the first fluorescent labels to create a plurality of fluorescent antigens, wherein the antigens are labeled with the second fluorescent label prior to or following their combination with the antibody-bead complexes; and (c) detecting and distinguishing the plurality of different antigens in the sample by observing a shift in the fluorescence wavelength or intensity emitted from said second fluorescent label created upon formation of complexes having antigens bound to the plurality of antibody-bead complexes and having said second fluorescent label using a flow cytometer by determining a ratio of fluorescence signal between the fluorescent antibody-bead complex and the fluorescent antigen in the complex of the fluorescence of any of said first fluorescent labels and said second fluorescent label.