Patent ID: 7629127

Claim:
A method of detecting immune reactants, comprising: a) placing a sample containing antibodies on a lateral flow immunoassay device, said device comprising: at least one test strip, said at least one test strip comprising: i) a sample site for applying a sample comprising antibodies; ii) a plurality of reaction sites downstream from said sample site, each said reaction site containing a different allergen such that when IgE antibodies come in contact with an antigen to which the IgE antibodies react, a first complex is formed; iii) a colorimetric labeled analyte site comprising dried colorimetric labeled anti-IgE antibodies, said colorimetric labeled analyte site positioned upstream from said sample site; and iv) a location on said test strip to add a chase release buffer for the release of said colored labeled analyte, after the addition of the liquid sample to said sample site, said location for adding said chase release buffer being located at the site of or upstream from said colorimetric labeled analyte site; b) allowing said test sample to migrate from the sample site to the reaction sites wherein said anti-IgE antibodies and said allergens combine to form said first complex comprising an anti-IgE antibody-allergen complex; c) adding said chase release buffer at or above the site of the colorimetric labeled analyte site; d) allowing time for said chase release buffer and said colorimetric labeled analyte to flow downstream to the side of said reaction sites; and e) reading said lateral flow immunoassay device, wherein a colored line, indicating a positive response develops when said colorimetric labeled anti-IgE antibodies come in contact with said first complex, thereby forming a second complex comprising a colorimetric labeled anti-IgE antibody-IgE antibody-allergen complex.