Patent ID: 6593085
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of assaying for an analyte including the steps of:(i) mixing a liquid sample suspected of containing an analyte and reagents comprising a target ligand analyte receptor conjugate incorporating a water soluble carrier for the target ligand and the analyte receptor, which carrier spaces the target ligand from the analyte receptor and a detectable tracer containing a label for the analyte whereby if the analyte is present, there is formed in solution a complex of analyte coupled to the conjugate after incubation of the mixture; (ii) passing the mixture through filter apparatus containing a plurality of discrete flow zones wherein at least one zone functions as a capture zone having bonded thereto a receptor ligand for the target ligand; (iii) detecting the presence of analyte in the sample by activation of the label in said at least one zone after binding of the complex to the receptor ligand; and (iv) continuing the passage of the mixture past said at least one zone to a wicking zone for liquid entrapment.