Patent Publication Number: US-4220450-A

Title: Chemically induced fluorescence immunoassay

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The clinical diagnostic field has seen a broad expansion in recent years, both as to the variety of materials which may be readily and accurately determined, as well as the methods for the determination. One broad category of techniques involves the use of an organic receptor which is able to specifically bind to a particular spatial and polar organization of another molecule. For the most part, these compounds are antibodies, which are able to distinguish between the compound or composition of interest, and other compounds of analogous structure. By virtue of the binding of the receptor to a labeled ligand, one is able to distinguish between labeled liqand which is bound to receptor and unbound lageled ligand. 
     The observed effect of binding by the receptor will depend upon the label. In some instances, the binding of the antibody merely provides for a differentiation in molecular weight between bound and unbound labeled ligand. In other instances, the presence of the receptor may affect the nature of the signal obtained from the label, so that the signal varies with the amount of receptor bound to labeled ligand. A further variation is that the receptor is labeled and the ligand unlabeled. Where receptors are labeled with two different labels which interact when in close proximity, the amount of ligand present affects the degree to which the labels on the receptor may interact. 
     In developing an assay, there are many considerations. One consideration is the signal response to changes in the concentration of analyte. A second consideration is the ease with which the protocol for the assay may be carried out. A third consideration is the variation in interference from sample to sample. Ease of preparation and purification of reagents, availability of equipment, ease of automation, and interaction with ligands, are additional considerations, which do not exhaust the various concerns in developing a useful assay. 
     There is therefore a continuing need for new and accurate techniques which can be adapted for a wide spectrum of different ligands or be used in specific cases where other methods may not be readily adaptable. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,868 is exemplary of a radioimmunoassay. U.S. Pat. No. 3,960,834 is exemplary of a spin immunoassay. U.S. Pat. No. 3,654,090 and German Auslengungsschrift No. 2,223,385 are exemplary of enzyme immunoassays. Articles of interest include an article by Ludwig Brand and James R. Gohlke, Annual Review of Biochemistry, 41, 843-868 (1972) and Stryer, Science, 162, 526 (1968). Smith, FEBS Letters 77, 25, (1977) describes a fluorescent immunoassay, where thyroxine is bound to a fluorescer and quenches the fluorescer, the quenching being reversed by binding of antibody to thyroxine. See also, Ullman et al, J. Biol. Chem. 251, 4172 (1976). 
     An excellent review of chemiluminescence may be found in McCapra, Quarterly Reviews 20, 485 (1966). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A competitive protein binding assay is provided having as an analyte a member of an immunological pair which consists of ligand and receptor for the ligand. The assay is predicated on the presence of the analyte in an assay medium affecting the degree to which a chemiluminescence source is quenched by energy transfer to a quencher, at relatively long distances. By conjugating the chemiluminescence source or where the chemiluminescence source requires a plurality of components, one component of the chemiluminescence source, with a member of the immunological pair and conjugating a quencher with a member of the immunological pair, reagents can be prepared which when combined in the assay medium will provide varying degrees of light emission, depending upon the amount of analyte present in the assay medium. 
     In particular, the chemiluminescence source or component thereof and the quencher may be conjugated to either the ligand or the receptor and the resulting reagent combined in an aqueous, normally buffered medium at a mild temperature, and the amount of light emitted determined. By comparison with assay media having known amounts of analyte, a quantitative relationship can be developed between the quanta of emitted light and the amount of analyte in the assay medium. 
     Kits can be provided, where the reagents are included in premeasured amounts, so that they may be used directly or may be readily diluted to assay reagent solutions to provide concentrations which substantially optimize the sensitivity and performance of the assay. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with the subject invention, chemiluminescence is employed to provide a signal related to the amount of analyte in an assay medium. The analyte is a member of an immunological pair which includes liqand and receptor. By conjugating the chemiluminescence source or where the source is comprised of more than one component, one component of the chemiluminescence source, with a member of the immunological pair and a quencher with a member of the immunological pair, the presence of analyte affects the amount of quencher which is within quenching distance of the conjugated chemiluminescence source. By combining the chemiluminescence source reagent and the quencher reagent where the two labels are on different molecules, and additional immunological pair members, as required, with the analyte in an assay medium, including any ancillary reagents necessary for the chemiluminescence, and determining the amount of light emitted from the assay medium, at a particular wavelength or a range of wavelengths from the assay medium, in relation to an assay medium having a known amount of analyte, the amount of analyte in the sample can be determined. 
     The method is predicated on the observation that when a dye is within a limited distance from a chemiluminescer in the excited state, the chemiluminescer may transfer its energy to the quencher without collision and without emitting radiation. The quencher may then emit radiation of a higher wavelength than the chemiluminescer or may lose the energy by radiationless decay. One can conjugate the member of the chemiluminescence source and the quencher to either ligand or receptor, so that when the two conjugates are brought together the amount of quencher within quenching distance of the chemiluminescer is affected by the amount of analyte present in the assay medium. The nature and amount of light emitted from the assay medium will therefore be a function of the analyte present in the assay medium. By performing assays with known amounts of analyte, one can develop a quantative relationship between the amount of analyte in the assay medium and the amount of radiation emitted from the assay medium at one or more wavelengths. 
     Definitions 
     Analyte--the compound or composition to be measured, which may be a ligand which is mono- or polyepitopic, antigenic or haptenic, a single or plurality of compounds which share at least one common epitopic site or a receptor. 
     Ligand--any compound for which a receptor naturally exists or can be prepared. 
     Ligand analog--a modified ligand which can compete with the analogous ligand for receptor, the modification providing means to join to a label or to a hub nucleus. 
     Poly(ligand analog)--a plurality of ligand analogs joined together covalently, normally to a hub nucleus, to provide a compound having a plurality of epitopic sites capable of competing with the analogous ligand for receptor. 
     Label--either a component of a chemiluminescence source or a quencher dye, which form a light emitting reciprocal pair, where the quencher dye has a high transition probability of absorbing energy from the chemiluminescence source. 
     (a) chemiluminescer label--a compound which by itself or in combination with other compounds produces a molecule in an electronically excited state, which molecule can decay to a lower energy state by the emission of light and the total process results in a chemical change in one or more of the compounds. 
     (b) quencher--a molecule capable of inhibiting the chemiluminescent emission of light, when within a short but non-colliding distance, usually less than about 100 A, of the chemiluminescer molecule, by accepting the energy which would otherwise be emitted as chemiluminescent light. In effect, the quencher need not be the nearest neighbor to the chemiluminescer to effect quenching. 
     Label-conjugate--the label, either a compound of the chemiluminescence source or the quencher, is bonded, either by a bond or linking chain, to a member of the immunological pair but not both to the same molecule. The conjugate will have at least one label and may have a plurality of labels bonded to the member of the immunological pair or a plurality of such members bonded to the label or a plurality of ligands and labels i.e. poly(ligand analog)-polylabel. In particular, where an enzyme is the component of the chemiluminescence source employed as the label, a plurality of ligand analogs may be conjugated to the enzyme to form a poly(ligand analog) label. 
     Receptor--any compound or composition capable of recognizing a particular spatial and polar organization of a molecule i.e. epitopic site. Illustrative receptors include naturally occurring receptors, antibodies, enzymes, lectins, Fab fragments and the like. The receptor may be monovalent or polyvalent in receptor sites usually polyvalent e.g. antibodies. For any specific ligand, the receptor will be referred to as &#34;antiligand&#34;. The receptor-antiligand-and its reciprocal liqand form an immunological pair. 
     Poly(ligand analog)-label--a composition in which a plurality of ligand analogs and one or a plurality of labels are bonded together whereby the ligand analog and label are in juxtaposition, so that when receptor is bound to ligand analog, label on the labeled receptor is in within quenching distance of the reciprocal label. Where an enzyme is part of the chemiluminescence source and the ligand is haptenic, a plurality of ligand analogs may be bonded to the enzyme. Alternatively, a plurality of ligand analogs and one or more labels may be conjugated to a water soluble polyfunctionalized hub nucleus. 
     Assay 
     The subject assay is carried out in an aqueous, normally homogeneous, zone normally, but not necessarily at a moderate pH, generally close to optimum assay sensitivity. The assay zone for the determination of analyte is prepared by employing in an appropriate assay solution, usually buffered, the unknown sample, which may have been subject to prior treatment, the chemiluminescer labeled reagent and the quencher labeled reagent (includes poly(ligand analog)-polylabel), and as appropriate ligand or antiligand. 
     The presence of antiligand or ligand in combination with a predetermined amount of antiligand in the assay medium controls the degree to which the quencher comes within quenching distance of the chemiluminescer. 
     There are four basic variations in the preparation of the quencher and chemiluminescer reagents. The four variations are: 
     (1) chemiluminescer conjugated to ligand as chemiluminescer labeled ligand and quencher conjugated to receptor as quencher labeled antiligand; 
     (2) quencher conjugated to ligand as quencher labeled ligand and chemiluminescer conjugated to receptor as chemiluminescer labeled antiligand; and 
     (3) chemiluminescer conjugated to receptor as chemiluminescer labeled antiligand and quencher conjugated to receptor as quencher labeled antiligand. 
     (4) chemiluminescer conjugated to ligand as chemiluminescer labeled ligand and quencher conjugated to ligand as quencher labeled ligand. 
     With the first two combinations, when the reagents are combined, the quencher will be in quenching distance of the chemiluminescer. The presence of analyte, either ligand or antiligand, will serve to reduce the amount of energy transfer between the chemiluminescer and quencher by diminishing the number of quencher molecules within quenching distance of the chemiluminescer. In the third combination, a polyepitopic ligand (includes poly(ligand analog)) must be added for either antiligand or monoepitopic ligand as analyte. Where the ligand is polyepitopic, increased quenching will be observed as the concentration of the polyepitopic ligand increases to a maximum quenching, followed by decreased quenching as the concentration of polyepitopic ligand continues to increase. Thus, a biphasic response is obtained, so that one must know on which portion of the curve one is operating in order to obtain a discrete result. By contrast, with poly(ligand analog), the presence of monoepitopic ligand will serve to diminish quenching. With receptor as analyte, increasing concentrations of receptor will also serve to diminish quenching. 
     Where the chemiluminescer and the quencher are both conjugated to ligand, an assay for either ligand or polyvalent antiligand may be performed. Where the assay is for ligand, the two label-conjugates are employed in conjunction with antiligand which brings the chemiluminescer and quencher together into quenching distance of each other. The addition of ligand reduces the amount of chemiluminescer and label which are within quenching distance. For the determination of antiligand the two label-conjugates are employed. With increasing amounts of antiligand, there will be a decrease of chemiluminescence to a minimum and then an increase as the concentration of antiligand increases. If one is uncertain as to which portion of the biphasic curve is involved, one or more sample dilutions will indicate the particular concentration. 
     It should be understood, that in referring to quenching, all that is intended is that there be transfer of energy from the chemiluminescer to the quencher. The result of this transfer will be that light of a single or range of wavelengths which might otherwise have been emitted by the chemiluminescer will be transferred to the quencher, which may then fluoresce, emitting light of a higher wavelength than the energy absorbed. Depending upon the quantum efficiency of emission of the chemiluminescer, the efficiency of energy transfer from the chemiluminescer to the quencher, and the quantum efficiency of emission of the quencher, as well as the wavelength range which is monitored, one may observe greater or lesser amounts of light due to the quenching. Therefore, when referring to quenching, it is not intended that there necessarily be a diminution of the signal which is observed. In fact, if one is observing the light emitted by the quencher, increasing quenching will result in an increasingly large signal. 
     A special situation exists with small haptens, those of from about 125 to 2000 molecular weight. With these haptens a substantially reduced chemiluminescence can be achieved i.e. quenching without quencher bonded to receptor, particularly where the receptor is an antibody. While the reduction in signal will not be as great as when quencher is conjugated to receptor, a sufficient reduction may be achieved to have an acceptable assay. Except for using receptor without quencher, the assay will be performed in the same manner, reading the light emitted by the chemiluminescer. 
     In carrying out the assay, an aqueous medium will normally be employed. Other polar solvents may also be employed, usually oxygenated organic solvents of from one to six, more usually from one to four carbon atoms, including alcohols, ethers and the like. Usually, these cosolvents will be present in less than about 40 weight percent, more usually in less than about 20 weight percent. 
     The pH for the medium will usually be in the range from about 5 to 12, more usually in the range from about 7 to 10, and when enzymes are employed as part of the chemiluminescence source, 7 to 9. Various buffers may be used to achieve the desired pH and maintain the pH during the determination. Illustrative buffers include borate, phosphate, carbonate, Tris, barbital and the like. The particular buffer employed is not critical to this invention, but in individual assays, one buffer may be preferred over another. 
     Moderate temperatures are normally employed for carrying out the assay and usually constant temperatures during the period of the assay will be employed. The temperatures will normally range from about 10° to 50° C., more usually from about 15° to 40° C. 
     The concentration of analyte which may be assayed will generally vary from about 10 -4  to 10 -15  M, more usually from about 10 -6  to 10 -13  M. Stated another way, the concentration ranges of interest will generally be from about 10 -3  to 10 -14  g/ml. 
     In addition to the concentration range of analyte of interest, considerations such as whether the assay is qualitative, semi-quantative or quantitative, the equipment employed, and the characteristics of the reagents will normally determine the concentration of the reagents. While the concentration of analyte will determine the range of concentrations of the other reagents, normally to optimize the sensitivity of the assay, individual reagent concentrations will be determined empirically. Since the binding constant and binding profile of receptors will vary, for example, with antibodies from bleed to bleed, each new batch of antibodies may require different concentration ratios for the different reagents. 
     Normally, for mono- and polyepitopic ligand analytes, the concentration of antiligand based on binding sites will be about equal to the minimum concentration of interest based on binding sites and not more than about 50 times the maximum concentration of interest based on binding sites, usually about 1 to 10 times, and more usually about 1 to 3 times the maximum concentration of interest based on binding sites. 
     For polyepitopic ligand receptor analytes, the equivalent ratios of labeled ligand or ligand to receptor analyte will generally be in the range of about 0.01 times the minimum concentration of interest and not more than about 100 times the maximum concentration of interest based on binding sites. The labeled receptor employed in conjunction with the labeled ligand or ligand will generally be present in from about 0.01 to 100 times the concentration of ligand or labeled ligand based on binding sites. 
     For polyepitopic ligand analytes, where labeled ligand is employed, the concentration of labeled ligand will generally be not less than about 10 -4 , more usually not less than about 10 -2  times the minimum concentration of interest and usually in the range of about equal to the minimum concentration of interest and not exceeding about the maximum concentration of interest. The ratio of labeled receptor will generally be not less than about 0.1 times the concentration of labeled ligand based on binding sites and not greater than about 100 times the concentration of labeled ligand based on binding sites. 
     For monoepitopic ligand analytes and monoepitopic ligand receptor analytes, when employing labeled ligand (includes poly(ligand analog)-label), the concentration of labeled ligand based on binding sites will usually be not less than 10 -4  times the minimum concentration of interest, more usually not less than 10 -2  times the minimum concentration of interest and usually in the range of about the minimum concentration of interest to the maximum concentration of interest. When poly(ligand analog) is employed with labeled antiligand, the concentration of poly(ligand analog) will fall within the same ranges as indicated for the labeled ligand and the concentration of antiligand has been indicated previously. 
     The order of addition of the various reagents may vary widely, depending upon whether an equilibrium or rate measurement is involved, the nature of the reagents, the rate at which equilibrium is achieved between the ligand and antiligand, and the nature of the chemiluminescence source. Where the chemiluminescence source has a plurality of components, with one of the components being a label, the chemiluminescence can be initiated at any time by the addition of the other components of the chemiluminescence source. In those situations where the chemiluminescence source involves more than one component, the labeled reagents and the unknown may be combined simultaneously, followed by the addition of the other components of the chemiluminescence source. Alternatively, one could combine the analyte with the labeled antiligand, followed by the addition of labeled ligand, as appropriate, followed by the addition of the remaining components of the chemiluminescence source. The various additions may be interrupted by incubation. In those instances where the chemiluminescence source is a single component, normally the labeled receptor will be combined with the analyte, followed by the addition of the labeled ligand, as appropriate. 
     Depending on the mode employed, equilibrium or nonequilibrium, the rate of binding of the antiligand to ligand and labeled ligand and the relative concentrations of the ligand, labeled ligand and labeled antiligand, one or more incubation steps may be involved. Normally, times between additions may vary from a few seconds to many hours, usually not exceeding 16 hrs, more usually not exceeding 6 hrs. Usually, incubation times will vary from about 0.5 min to 1 hr, more usually from about 0.15 min to 30 min. Since the ultimate result will be dependent upon the result obtained with standard(s) treated in substantially the same manner, and when possible in the identical manner the particular mode and periods of time are not critical, so long as significant reproducible differentiations are obtained with varying concentrations of analyte. 
     Depending upon the choice of assay protocol, the equipment employed and the concentration of analyte involved, assay volumes may be as small as about 1 μl, more usually being about 25 μl, and will usually not exceed 5 ml, more usually not exceeding 2 ml. 
     The assay measurement will depend upon counting the quanta of light emitted from the assay medium. Various instruments may be used, such as scintillation counters, photocells or the like, which are capable of measuring light at a single or over a range of wavelengths. 
     Materials 
     The primary components in the subject assay for analyte, which may or may not be employed in every case are: labeled ligand (includes poly(ligand analog)-label); labeled antiligand, ligand; antiligand; and additional components as required for the chemilumiinescence source. 
     Analyte The ligand analytes of this invention are characterized by being monoepitopic or polyepitopic. The polyepitopic ligand analytes will normally be poly(amino acids) i.e. polypeptides and proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and combinations thereof. Such combinations of assemblages include bacteria, viruses, chromosomes, genes, mitochondria, nuclei, cell membranes, and the like. 
     For the most part, the polyepitopic ligand analytes employed in the subject invention will have a molecular weight of at least about 5,000, more usually at least about 10,000. In the poly(amino acid) category, the poly(amino acids) of interest will generally be from about 5,000 to 5,000,000 molecular weight, more usually from about 20,000 to 1,000,000 molecular weight; among the hormones of interest, the molecular weights will usually range from about 5,000 to 60,000 molecular weight. 
     The wide variety of proteins may be considered as to the family of proteins having similar structural features, proteins having particular biological functions, proteins related to specific microorganisms, particularly disease causing microorganisms, etc. 
     The following are classes of proteins related by structure: 
     protamines 
     histones 
     albumins 
     globulins 
     scleroproteins 
     phosphoproteins 
     mucoproteins 
     chromoproteins 
     lipoproteins 
     nucleoproteins 
     glycoproteins 
     unclassified proteins, e.g. somatotropin, 
     prolactin, insulin, pepsin 
     A number of proteins found in the human plasma are important clinically and include: 
     Prealbumin 
     Albumin 
     α 1  -Lipoprotein 
     α 1  -Acid glycoprotein 
     α 1  -Antitrypsin 
     α 1  -Glycoprotein 
     Transcortin 
     4.6 S-Postalbumin 
     Tryptophan-poor 
     α 1  -glycoprotein 
     α 1  X-Glycoprotein 
     Thyroxin-binding globulin 
     Inter-α-trypsin-inhibitor 
     Gc-globulin 
     (Gc 1-1) 
     (Gc 2-1) 
     (Gc 2-2) 
     Haptoglobin 
     (Hp 1-1) 
     (Hp 2-1) 
     (Hp 2-2) 
     Ceruloplasmin 
     Cholinesterase 
     α 2  -Lipoprotein(s) 
     α 2  -Macroglobulin 
     α 2  HS-glycoprotein 
     Zn-α 2  -glycoprotein 
     α 2  -Neuramino-glycoprotein 
     Erythropoietin 
     β-lipoprotein 
     Transferrin 
     Hemopexin 
     Fibrinogen 
     Plasminogen 
     β 2  -glycoprotein I 
     β 2  -glycoprotein II 
     Immunoglobulin G 
     (IgG) or γG-globulin 
     Mol. formula: 
     γ 2  κ 2  or γ 2  λ 2   
     Immunoglobulin A (IgA) 
     or γA-globulin 
     Mol. formula: 
     (α 2  κ 2 ) n  or (α 2  λ 2 ) n   
     Immunoglobulin M 
     (IgM) or γM-globulin 
     Mol. formula: 
     (μ 2  κ 2 ) 5  or (μ 2  λ 2 ) 5   
     Immunoglobulin D(IgD) 
     or γD-Globulin (γD) 
     Mol. formula: 
     (δ 2  κ 2 ) or (δ 2  λ 2 ) 
     Immunoglobulin E (IgE) 
     or γE-Globulin (γE) 
     Mol. formula: 
     (ε 2  κ 2 ) or (ε 2  λ 2 ) 
     Free K and γ light chains 
     Complement factors: 
     C&#39;1 
     C&#39;1q 
     C&#39;1r 
     C&#39;1s 
     C&#39;2 
     C&#39;3 
     β 1  A 
     α 2  D 
     C&#39;4 
     C&#39;5 
     C&#39;6 
     C&#39;7 
     C&#39;8 
     C&#39;9 
     Important blood clotting factors include: 
     
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BLOOD CLOTTING FACTORS                                                    
International designation                                                 
                Name                                                      
______________________________________                                    
I               Fibrinogen                                                
II              Prothrombin                                               
IIa             Thrombin                                                  
III             Tissue thromboplastin                                     
V and VI        Proaccelerin, accelerator                                 
                globulin                                                  
VII             Proconvertin                                              
VIII            Antihemophilic globulin (AHG)                             
IX              Christmas factor,                                         
                plasma thromboplastin                                     
                component (PTC)                                           
X               Stuart-Prower factor,                                     
                autoprothrombin III                                       
XI              Plasma thromboplastin                                     
                antecedent (PTA)                                          
XII             Hagemann factor                                           
XIII            Fibrin-stabilizing factor                                 
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     Important protein hormones include: 
     Peptide and Protein Hormones 
     Parathyroid hormone 
     (parathromone) 
     Thyrocalcitonin 
     Insulin 
     Glucagon 
     Relaxin 
     Erythropoietin 
     Melanotropin 
     (melanocyte-stimulating hormone; intermedin) 
     Somatotropin 
     (growth hormone) 
     Corticotropin 
     (adrenocorticotropic hormone) 
     Thyrotropin 
     Follicle-stimulating hormone 
     Luteinizing hormone 
     (interstitial cell-stimulating hormone) 
     Luteomammotropic hormone 
     (luteotropin, prolactin) 
     Gonadotropin 
     (chorionic gonadotropin) 
     Tissue Hormones 
     Secretin 
     Gastrin 
     Angiotensin I and II 
     Bradykinin 
     Human placental lactogen 
     Peptide Hormones from the Neurohypophysis 
     Oxytocin 
     Vasopressin 
     Releasing factors (RF) 
     CRF, LRF, TRF, Somatotropin-RF, GRF, FSH-RF, PIF, MIF 
     Other polymeric materials of interest are mucopolysaccharides and polysaccharides. 
     Illustrative antigenic polysaccharides derived from microorganisms are as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Species of Microorganisms                                                 
                   Hemosensitin Found in                                  
______________________________________                                    
Streptococcus pyogenes                                                    
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Diplococcus pneumoniae                                                    
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Neisseria meningitidis                                                    
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Neisseria gonorrhoeae                                                     
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Corynebacterium diphtheriae                                               
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Actinobacillus mallei;                                                    
                   Crude extract                                          
Actinobacillus whitemori                                                  
Francisella tularensis                                                    
                   Lipopolysaccharide                                     
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Pasteurella pestis                                                        
Pasteurella pestis Polysaccharide                                         
Pasteurella multocida                                                     
                   Capsular antigen                                       
Brucella abortus   Crude extract                                          
Haemophilus influenzae                                                    
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Haemophilus pertussis                                                     
                   Crude                                                  
Treponema reiteri  Polysaccharide                                         
Veillonella        Lipopolysaccharide                                     
Erysipelothrix     Polysaccharide                                         
Listeria monocytogenes                                                    
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Chromobacterium    Lipopolysaccharide                                     
Mycobacterium tuberculosis                                                
                   Saline extract of 90%                                  
                   phenol extracted                                       
                   mycobacteria and poly-                                 
                   saccharide fraction of                                 
                   cells and tuberculin                                   
Klebsiella aerogenes                                                      
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Klebsiella cloacae Polysaccharide                                         
Salmonella typhosa Lipopolysaccharide,                                    
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Salmonella typhi-murium;                                                  
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Salmonella derby                                                          
Salmonella pullorum                                                       
Shigella dysenteriae                                                      
                   Polysaccharide                                         
Shigella flexneri                                                         
Shigella sonnei    Crude, polysaccharide                                  
Rickettsiae        Crude extract                                          
Candida albicans   Polysaccharide                                         
Entamoeba histolytica                                                     
                   Crude extract                                          
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     The microorganisms which are assayed may be intact, lysed, ground or otherwise fragmented, and the resulting composition or portion, e.g. by extraction, assayed. Microorganisms of interest include: 
     Corynebacteria 
     Corynebacterium diptheriae 
     Pneumococci 
     Diplococcus pneumoniae 
     Streptococci 
     Streptococcus pyogenes 
     Streptococcus salivarus 
     Staphylococci 
     Staphylococcus aureus 
     Staphylococcus albus 
     Neisseriae 
     Neisseria meningitidis 
     Neisseria gonorrheae 
     Enterobacteriaciae 
     
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Escherichia coli                                                          
Aerobacter aerogenes    The coliform bacteria                             
Klebsiella pneumoniae                                                     
Salmonella typhosa                                                        
Salmonella choleraesuis The Salmonellae                                   
Salmonella typhimurium                                                    
Shigella dysenteriae                                                      
Shigella schmitzii                                                        
Shigella arabinotarda                                                     
Shigella flexneri       The Shigellae                                     
Shigella boydii                                                           
Shigella Sonnei                                                           
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     Other enteric bacilli 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Proteus vulgaris                                                          
Proteus mirabilis       Proteus species                                   
Proteus morgani                                                           
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     Pseudomonas aeruginosa 
     Alcaligenes faecalis 
     Vibrio cholerae 
     Hemophilus-Bordetella group 
     Hemophilus influenzae, 
     H. ducreyi 
     H. hemophilus 
     H. aegypticus 
     H. paraiufluenzae 
     Bordetella pertussis 
     Pasteurellae 
     Pasteurella pestis 
     Pasteurella tulareusis 
     Brucellae 
     Brucella melitensis 
     Brucella abortus 
     Brucella suis 
     Aerobic Spore-forming Bacilli 
     Bacillus anthracis 
     Bacillus subtilis 
     Bacillus megaterium 
     Bacillus cereus 
     Anaerobic Spore-forming Bacilli 
     Clostridium botulinum 
     Clostridium tetani 
     Clostridium perfringens 
     Clostridium novyi 
     Clostridium speticum 
     Clostridium histolyticum 
     Clostridium tertium 
     Clostridium bifermentans 
     Clostridium sporogenes 
     Mycobacteria 
     Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis 
     Mycobacterium bovis 
     Mycobacterium avium 
     Mycobacterium leprae 
     Mycobacterium paratuberculosis 
     Actinomycetes (fungus-like bacteria) 
     Actinomyces israelii 
     Actinomyces bovis 
     Actinomyces naeslundii 
     Nocardia asteroides 
     Nocardia brasiliensis 
     The Spirochetes 
     Treponema pallidum 
     Treponema pertenue 
     Treponema carateum 
     Borrelia recurrentis 
     Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae 
     Leptospira canicola 
     Spirillum minus 
     Streptobacillus moniliformis 
     Mycoplasmas 
     Mycoplasma pneumoniae 
     Other pathogens 
     Listeria monocytogenes 
     Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae 
     Streptobacillus moniliformis 
     Donvania granulomatis 
     Bartonella bacilliformis 
     Rickettsiae (bacteria-like parasites) 
     Rickettsia prowazekii 
     Rickettsia mooseri 
     Rickettsia rickettsii 
     Rickettsia conori 
     Rickettsia australis 
     Rickettsia sibiricus 
     Rickettsia akari 
     Rickettsia tsutsugamushi 
     Rickettsia burnetti 
     Rickettsia quintana 
     Chlamydia (unclassifiable parasites bacterial/viral) 
     Chlamydia agents (naming uncertain) 
     Fungi 
     Cryptococcus neoformans 
     Blastomyces dermatidis 
     Histoplasma capsulatum 
     Coccidioides immitis 
     Paracoccidioides brasiliensis 
     Candida albicans 
     Asperigillus fumigatus 
     Mucor corymbifer (Absidia corymbifera) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Rhizopus oryzae                                                           
Rhizopus arrhizus  Phycomycetes                                           
Rhizopus nigricans                                                        
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     Sporotrichum schenkii 
     Fonsecaea pedrosoi 
     Fonsecaea compacta 
     Fonsecaea dermatitidis 
     Cladosporium carrionii 
     Phialophora verrucosa 
     Asperigillus nidulans 
     Madurella mycetomi 
     Madurella grisea 
     Allescheria boydii 
     Phialosphora jeanselmei 
     Microsporum gypseum 
     Trichophyton mentagrophytes 
     Keratinomyces ajelloi 
     Microsporum canis 
     Trichophyton rubrum 
     Microsporum andouini 
     Viruses 
     Adenoviruses 
     Herpes viruses 
     Herpes simplex 
     Varicella (Chicken pox) 
     Herpes Zoster (Shingles) 
     Virus B 
     Cytomegalovirus 
     Pox Viruses 
     Variola (smallpox) 
     Vaccinia 
     Poxvirus bovis 
     Paravaccinia 
     Molluscum contagiosum 
     Picornaviruses 
     Poliovirus 
     Coxsackievirus 
     Echoviruses 
     Rhinoviruses 
     Myxoviruses 
     Influenza (A, B, and C) 
     Parainfluenza (1-4) 
     Mumps Virus 
     Newcastle Disease Virus 
     Measles Virus 
     Rinderpest Virus 
     Canine Distemper Virus 
     Respiratory Syncytial Virus 
     Rubella Virus 
     Arboviruses 
     Eastern Equine Eucephalitis Virus 
     Western Equine Eucephalitis Virus 
     Sindbis Virus 
     Chikugunya Virus 
     Semliki Forest Virus 
     Mayora Virus 
     St. Louis Encephalitis Virus 
     California Encephalitis Virus 
     Colorado Tick Fever Virus 
     Yellow Fever Virus 
     Dengue Virus 
     Reoviruses 
     Reovirus Types 1-3 
     Hepatitis 
     Hepatitis A Virus 
     Hepatitis B Virus 
     Tumor Viruses 
     Rauscher Leukemia Virus 
     Gross Virus 
     Maloney Leukemia Virus 
     Allergens 
     The monoepitopic ligand analytes will generally be from about 100 to 2,000 molecular weight, more usually from 125 to 1,000 molecular weight. The analytes of interest include drugs, metabolites, pesticides, pollutants, and the like. Included among drugs of interest are the alkaloids. 
     Among the alkaloids are morphine alkaloids, which includes morphine, codeine, heroin, detromethorphan, their derivatives and metabolites; cocaine alkaloids, which includes cocaine and benzoyl ecgonine, their derivatives and metabolites; ergot alkaloids, which includes the diethylamide of lysergic acid; steroid alkaloids; iminazoyl alkaloids; quinazoline alkaloids; isoquinoline alkaloids; quinoline alkaloids; which includes quinine and quinidine; diterpene alkaloids, their derivatives and metabolites. 
     The next group of drugs includes steroids, which includes the estrogens, gestrogens, androgens, andrenocortical steroids, bile acids, cardiotonic glycosides and aglycones, which includes digoxin and digoxigenin, saponins and sapogenins, their derivatives and metabolites. Also included are the steroid mimetic substances, such as diethyl stilbestrol. 
     The next group of drugs is lactams having from 5 to 6 annular members, which include the barbiturates, e.g. phenobarbital and secobarbital diphenylhydantoin, and their metabolites. 
     The next group of drugs is aminoalkylbenzenes, with alkyl of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, which includes the amphetamines, catecholamines, which includes ephedrine, L-dopa, epinephrine, narceine, papaverine, their metabolites and derivatives. 
     The next group of drugs is benzheterocyclics which include oxazepam, chlorpromazine, tegretol, imipramine, their derivatives and metabolites, the heterocyclic rings being azepines, diazepines and phenothiazines. 
     The next group of drugs is purines, which includes theophilline, caffeine, their metabolites and derivatives. 
     The next group of drugs includes those derived from marijuana, which includes cannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinol. 
     The next group of drugs includes the vitamins such as A, B, C, D, E and K. 
     The next group of drugs is prostaglandins, which differ by the degree and sites of hydroxylation and unsaturation. 
     The next group of drugs is antibiotics, which include pencillin, chloromycetin, actinomycetin, tetracycline, terramycin, their metabolites and derivatives. 
     The next group of drugs is the nucleosides and nucelotides, which include ATP, NAD, FMN, adenosine, guanosine, thymidine, and cytidine with their appropriate sugar and phosphate substituents. 
     The next group of drugs is miscellaneous individual drugs which include methadone, meprobamate, serotonin, meperidine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, lidocaine, procaineamide, acetylprocaineamide, propanolol, griseofulvin, butyrophenones, antihistamines, anticholinergic drugs, such as atropine, their metabolites and derivatives. 
     The next group of compounds is amino acids and small peptides which include polyiodothyromines e.g. thyroxine, and triiodothyronine, oxytocin, ACTH, angiotensin, gentamycin, met- and leu-enkephalin their metabolites and derivatives. 
     Metabolites related to diseased states include spermine, galactose, phenylpyruvic acid, and porphyrin type 1. 
     Among pesticides of interest are polyhalogenated biphenyls, phosphaee esters, thiophosphates, carbamates, polyhalogenated sulfenamides, their metabolites and derivatives. 
     For receptor analytes, the molecular weights will generally range from 10,000 to 2×10 6 , more usually from 10,000 to 10 6 . For immunoglobulins, IgA, IgG, IgE and IgM, the molecular weights will generally vary from about 160,000 to about 10 6 . Enzymes will normally range from about 10,000 to 600,000 in molecular weight. Natural receptors vary widely, generally being at least about 25,000 molecular weight and may be 10 6  or higher molecular weight, including such materials as avidin, thyroxine binding globulin, thyroxine binding prealbumin, transcortin, etc. 
     Label 
     Quencher 
     The quencher molecule is a chromophore which absorbs light in the wavelength band emitted by the chemiluminescer. Preferably, the quencher will absorb light at a wavelength close to the emission maximum wavelength of the chemiluminescer. What is desired, is that there be a high efficiency of energy transfer when the quencher is in relatively close juxtaposition to the chemiluminescer source. Normally, the quencher will absorb light at greater than about 350 A, more usually at greater than about 400 A. Various chromophores which may be employed as quenchers include the xanthene dyes, which include the fluoresceins derived from 3,6-dihydroxy-9-phenylxanthhydrol and rosamines and rhodamines, derived from 3,6-diamino-9-phenylxanthhydrol. The rhodamines and fluoresceins have a 9-o-carboxyphenyl group and are derivatives of 9-o-carboxyphenylxanthhydrol. 
     These compounds are commercially available with substituents on the phenyl group which can be used as the site for bonding or as the bonding functionality. For example, amino and isothiocyanate substituted fluorescein compounds are available. 
     Other dyes which may be used as quenchers include 3-phenyl-7-isocyanatocoumarin, acridines, such as 9-isothiocyanatoacridine and acridine orange; N-(p-(2-benzoxazolyl)phenyl)maleimide; benzoxadiazoles, such as 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole and 7-(p-methoxybenzylamino)-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole; stilbenes, such as 4-dimethylamino-4&#39;-isothiocyanatostilbene and 4-dimethylamino-4&#39;-maleimidostilbene N,N&#39;-dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine p-toluenesulfonate; pyrenes, such as 8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonic acid, and 1-pyrenebutyric acid; merocyanines e.g. merocyanine 540, rose bengal, 2,4-diphenyl-3(2H)-furanone; cyanines, anthiaquinones; porphyrines; triarylmethanes; as well as other readily available dyes which are capable of quenching. These dyes, either have active functionalities for conjugation or such functionalities may be readily introduced. 
     It should further be noted that the absorption and emission characteristics of the dye may vary from being free in solution and being bound to a protein or ligand. Therefore, when referring to the various wavelength ranges and characteristics of the dyes, it is intended to indicate the dyes as employed and not the dye which is unconjugated and characterized in an arbitrary solvent. In the area of overlap between the chemiluminescer and quencher, it is desirable that the quencher should have a high transition probability. 
     Finally, the &#34;blue fluorescent proteins&#34; and/or &#34;green fluorescent proteins&#34; normally associated with certain bacterial luciferases e.g. the luciferase from Photobacterium fisheri, may also be used as a quencher. 
     Chemiluminescer 
     The chemiluminescent source may have a single component or a plurality of components, usually two or three components. While it is feasible that there be a single molecule which is thermally labile and on decomposition chemiluminesces, such as certain dioxetanes, for a number of reasons the use of these molecules will not be commercially practical. While one could prepare reagents and maintain them at sufficiently low temperatures, so that the rate of decomposition was acceptably slow and then warm the reagent immediately prior to use, such technique will generally be inconvenient, even though it does have some parallel with radioimmunoassay. Therefore, for the most part, the chemiluminescence source will have at least two components and the major portion of the discussion will be directed to this situation. 
     For purposes of convenience, the chemiluminescence source will be divided into two categories: those which do not involve the intermediacy of enzyme catalysis; and those which do involve enzyme catalysis. 
     Considering chemiluminescence sources which do not involve enzyme catalysis, only those sources can be employed which chemiluminesce under conditions which either do not inhibit the binding of the receptor to the ligand, or degrade the receptor and ligand at an unacceptable rate during the period of measurement. While ordinarily chemiluminescent sources which are dependent upon nonaqueous solvents and strong basic conditions, greater than pH 11, will not be useful, techniques can be employed involving rapid injection or flow techniques where the modulated emission is substantially completed before the protein is denatured and significant disassociation occurs. After injection of base, one would observe a burst of light which could be measured. 
     A diverse number of families of compounds have been found to provide chemiluminescence under a variety of conditions. One family of compounds are 2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinediones. The most popular compound is luminol, which is the 5-amino compound. Other members of the family include the 5-amino-6,7,8-trimethoxy and the dimethylamino[cal]benz analog. These compounds can be made to luminesce with alkaline hydrogen peroxide or calcium hypochlorite and base. Another family of compounds are the 2,4,5-triphenylimidazoles, with lophine as the common name for the parent product. Chemiluminescent analogs include para-dimethylamino and -methoxy substituents. 
     The next group of chemiluminescent compounds are indolen-3-yl hydroperoxides, precursors thereto and derivatives thereof. 
     The next group of compounds are the bis-9,9&#39;-biacridinium salts, of which lucigenin, N,N&#39;-dimethyl-9,9&#39;-biacridinium dinitrate is illustrative. These compounds chemiluminesce upon combination with alkaline hydrogen peroxide. 
     The next group of compounds are acridinium salts which are substituted in the 9 position. Particular substituents are carboxylic esters, particularly the aryl esters, acyl substituents, particularly benzoyl, and cyano. Alkaline hydrogen peroxide is employed to induce chemiluminescence. 
     Another group of compounds are various acyl peroxy esters and hydroperoxides, which may be formed in situ in combination with compounds such as 9,10-diphenylanthracene. 
     Another source of chemiluminescence is hydroperoxides e.g. tetralin hydroperoxide in combination with metal complexes, particularly porphyrins and phthalocyanines, where the metals are iron and zinc. 
     Preferred systems are those which provide a satisfactory quantum efficiency of emission from the chemiluminescer at a pH at or below 11, preferably at or below 10, and, furthermore, rely on a catalyst which may be conjugated to a member of the immunological pair. Where the system does not involve the catalyst, the compound which decomposes with the emission of light will be conjugated to the member of the immunological pair. In these circumstances, the number of chemiluminescent molecules will be limited to those which are conjugated. 
     The next group of compounds are based on chemiluminescers which chemiluminescence under enzymatic catalysis. Primarily, there are two groups of enzymatically catalyzed chemiluminescers. The first group are those compounds which chemiluminesce in combination with alkaline hydrogen peroxide. By employing a peroxidase e.g. horseradish peroxidase or catalase, in combination with hydrogen peroxide and the chemiluminescer, chemiluminescence can be achieved. Illustrative systems include 2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinediones. 
     The second enzymatic source of chemiluminescence is based on luciferins and their analogs and luciferases. 
     Labeled Ligand 
     The ligands may be divided into two categories, haptens which are generally from 125 to 5,000 molecular weight, more usually from about 125 to 2,000 molecular weight and more particularly from about 125 to 1,000 molecular weight and antigens which will generally be not less than about 2,000 molecular weight, usually not less than about 5,000 molecular weight and when present as part of a cell, virus, chromosome or the like, may have molecular weights in excess of 10,000,000. For the most part, the antigens of diagnostic interest will generally be less than about 1,000,000 molecular weight, more usually less than about 600,000 molecular weight and more particularly will range from about 10,000 to 350,000 molecular weight. 
     The label will either be a quencher, which will generally be from about 125 to 1,000 molecular weight or a component of the chemiluminescent source, which may be a small molecule of from about 125 to 1,000 molecular weight or a large molecule, such as an enzyme or hemin which will range from about 10,000 to 250,000 molecular weight, more usually from about 10,000 to 150,000 molecular weight. 
     Depending upon the nature of the ligand and the label, the character of the labeled ligand will vary widely. The first labeled ligand which will be considered is the quencher-hapten reagent. Since both molecules are small, there will normally be a 1 to 1 ratio with a relatively short linking group between the two parts of the quencher-hapten. 
     Where an antigen is involved, there may be one or more quenchers conjugated to the antigen. Generally, there will be at least about one quencher molecule per 100,000 molecular weight, more usually at least about one quencher molecule per 50,000 molecular weight and generally not more than about one quencher molecule per 1,000 molecular weight, more usually not more than about one quencher molecule per 2,000 molecular weight. With antigens in the range of about 10,000 to 300,000 molecular weight, the number of quencher molecules will generally be in the range of about 2 to 30, more usually from about 2 to 20, and preferably from about 2 to 16. 
     Where the component of the chemiluminescent source which is conjugated is a small molecule, that is having a molecular weight in the range of about 125 to 1,000, there will normally be a one to one ratio of chemiluminescer component to hapten in the chemiluminescer-hapten reagent. With antigens, the number of small chemiluminescent components will generally be not less than 1, usually not less than 1 per 100,000 molecular weight, more usually not less than 1 per 50,000 molecular weight and generally not more than 1 per 1,000 molecular weight, more usually not more than 1 per 2,000 molecular weight. ;p Where antigens and large (over 10,000) chemiluminescent source components are involved, the ratios will vary widely, with either a plurality of the chemiluminescent source component bonded to the antigenic ligand or a plurality of ligands bonded to the chemiluminescent source component. Generally, the ratio of antigen to chemiluminescent source component will be in the range of about 0.05 to 20, more usually in the range of about 0.01 to 10, where both the chemiluminescent source and the antigen have molecular weights in the range of about 10,000 to 300,000. 
     The nature of the linking group will vary widely depending upon the particular materials which are being joined. Generally, linking groups will vary from a bond to about 20 atoms in the chain which are carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, particularly carbon, oxygen and nitrogen where the nitrogen is substituted solely with carbon or is neutral, where it may be substituted with both carbon and hydrogen e.g. amido. A wide variety of linking groups are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,837, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Where a poly(ligand analog)-label is involved, a hub nucleus may be employed, which is normally a water soluble polymer and conveniently a poly(amino acid) or polysaccharide. 
     Usually, the hub nucleus will be from about 25,000 to 600,000 molecular weight, more usualy from about 30,000  to 300,000 molecular weight. Enzymes to which ligand analog may be linked will generally vary from about 15,000 to 300,000 molecular weight. The same linking groups as discussed above may be employed for linking the label and the ligand analog to the hub nucleus or enzyme. 
     The functionalities involved in the linking will normally include alkylamine, amide, amidine, thioamide, urea, thiourea and guanidine. Illustrative functionalities involved in linking are carboxylic acids in conjunction with diimides, mixed anhydrides with carbonate monoesters, aldehydes in conjunction with reductants e.g. borohydrides, imidoesters, active carboxylic esters e.g. N-hydroxy succinimide or p-nitrophenyl, isocyanates, isothiocyanates, active halide and the like. 
     Labeled Receptor 
     The receptor may be labeled with either the quencher or the chemiluminescent source component. Where the label is a small molecule of about 125 to 1,000 molecular weight, there will usually be at least one label per receptor and not more than about one per 1,500 per molecular weight of receptor more usually not more than about one label per 2,500 molecular weight of receptor and preferably not more than about one label per 5,000 molecular weight of receptor. Where the receptor is an antibody, IgG, the number of labels will generally be from about 2 to 20, more usually from about 2 to 12. Where the label is a macromolecule, that is of from about 10,000 to 300,000 molecular weight, there will generally be from about 1 to 10 labels, more usually from about 1 to 6 labels. 
     The manner of conjugation to the receptor has been indicated previously. 
     Kits 
     In carrying out the subject assays, in order to obtain reproducible results, it is desirable that the critical reagents be provided in predetermined ratios, so as to optimize the sensitivity of the assay. In the assay for ligand, the critical reagents include labeled ligand, including poly(ligand analog)-label and labeled receptor. In the assay for receptor, ligand may also be a critical reagent. Besides the desire to have the critical reagents in predetermined proportions, it is frequently desirable that ancillary materials, such as buffer, stabilizers and the like, be included with critical reagents, so that dry powders or concentrates may be diluted to form assay solutions directly, avoiding the necessity of weighing the various materials. 
     In the kit, the reagents will be provided in relative proportions, so as to substantially optimize the sensitivity of the assay to the concentration range of interest. In addition, included with one or both of the reagents may be buffer, inert proteins, such albumins, stabilizers, such as sodium azide and the like. Desirably, the reagents are provided as dry powders, particularly with labeled polyepitopic ligand and receptors, where these materials may be lyophilized. 
     The following examples are offered by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. 
     EXPERIMENTAL 
     All temperatures not otherwise indicated are in centigrade. All percents or parts not otherwise indicated are by weight except for mixtures of liquids which are by volume. 
    
    
     EXAMPLE 1 
     Conjugation of horseradish peroxidase to human gamma-globulin (hIgG) 
     The method employed is described in Nakane and Kawaoi, J. Hist. Cyto. 22 (12), 1084-1091 (1974). 
     In 1 ml of 0.3 M sodium bicarbonate buffer, pH 8.1, was introduced 6 mg horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and 100 μl of a 1% aqueous solution of 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene and the mixture incubated for 1 hr. The mixture was then dialzyed against 0.01 M sodium carbonate, pH 9.5 for 2 hrs followed by dialysis against 0.3 M sodium bicarbonate buffer, pH 8.1. 
     An approximately 1.5 ml solution of the HRP material prepared above was added to 1 ml 0.4 M sodium periodate and the mixture allowed to stand for 45 min at room temperature. To the solution was then added 25 μl of 0.32 M aqueous ethylene glycol, the mixture allowed to stand for 1 hr, followed by dialysis for 2 hrs in a collodion bag apparatus against 0.01 M sodium carbonate, pH 9.5. The residue in the dialysis bag was then combined with 5 mg hIgG and the mixture allowed to stand for 1 hr. At this time, 15 mg sodium borohydride was added, the mixture allowed to stand for 1.25 hrs at room temperature and the product then dialyzed overnight in a collodion bag apparatus against PBS, pH 7. The residue in the dialysis bag was then chromatographed on Sephadex G-200 with 0.01 M PBS, pH 7. Fractions were collected, with fraction 7 spectrophotometrically found to be 2.5×10.sup. -7 M hIgG and 4.95×10 -7  M HRP. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     Conjugation of fluorescein to anti(hIgG) 
     Into a vial fitted with stirring bar was introduced 5 mg lyophilized rabbit anti(hIgG) (Miles Laboratories, Lot 18, Code 64-155) and the mixture dissolved in 0.5 ml aqueous sodium phosphate, pH 8.0 and the pH adjusted to 9 with aqueous sodium carbonate buffer. A solution of 0.3 mg fluorescein isothiocyanate in 0.3 ml DMF was added over about 40 secs with vigorous stirring and the mixture stirred for 60 min. At the end of this time, the reaction mixture was chromotographed on a Sephadex (G-25) column and the fractions collected. A fraction was obtained having 2.4 mg/ml of a nti(hIgG) with a fluorescein/anti(hIgG) ratio of about 5 to 1. 
     In order to demonstrate the subject invention, the following assay was carried out at room temperature. The solutions employed were a 1.86 mg/ml aqueous solution of hIgG, a 0.023 mg/ml solution of the fluorescein-anti(hIgG) conjugate (prepared above) and a 2.5×10 -8  M solution of the HRP-hIgG conjugate. In addition, 100 μl each of aqueous solutions 10 -3  M luminol and 10 -5  M hydrogen peroxide were also added. The following table indicates the amounts of materials added and the results as read as counts per 0.1 min at different times from the time of mixing. 
     
                       TABLE                                                       
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                               Counts per                                 
                              6 sec from time                             
        Fluorescein- HRP-     of mixing in min.                           
hIgG    anti(hIgG)   hIgG      (in thousands)                             
μl   μl        μl    5     15    60                              
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0       0            25       23.3  38.3  56.8                            
1       5            25       27.2  41.1  60.8                            
2.5     5            25       34.9  50.3  71.3                            
5       5            25       36.8  44.7  81.7                            
10      5            25       49.8  66.0  78.9                            
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     The apparatus employed was a β-Mate Scintillation Counter, non-coincidence mode. 
     It is evident from the above results, that a standard curve can be prepared for determining the amount of an analyte in an assay medium. The method is quite simple in that the reagents may be rapidly combined and a reading taken within a very short period of time. In addition, after about 0.5 hour the readings stabilize, so that the timing of the reading becomes less critical. 
     The subject assay provides a convenient means for determining quantitatively a wide variety of analytes. In addition, the method allows for multiplication of the signal, by employing a catalytic system, either enzymatic or non-enzymatic, which provides a plurality of events for each molecule of analyte present in the medium. In addition, the method avoids the problems of light scatter and protein absorption and emission interfering with the results which are determined. 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.