Patent ID: 7736863
Filing Date: 2010-06-15
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample comprising the steps of: combining a monocyte-containing reagent and the sample to be tested in a first assay system which includes at least one microtiter well shaped such that the monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated to provide greater cell to cell contact as compared to a flat-bottomed microtiter well, wherein the surface of the microtiter well comprises a polypropylene coating or the entire microtiter well is composed of polypropylene; incubating the monocyte-containing reagent and the sample, wherein, when the sample comprises a pyrogen, the monocyte-containing reagent produces a cytokine or an endogenous mediator of the inflammatory response; transferring the contents of the first assay system to a second assay system which comprises at least one surface treated with an antibody to the cytokine or endogenous mediator of the inflammatory response; and assaying the second assay system for the presence of cytokine or endogenous mediator bound to the antibody on the surface; whereby an elevated level of cytokine or endogenous mediator bound to the surface indicates the presence of the pyrogens in the sample tested.