Test set and method for the determination of free hormones
US4311690A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 1979 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S436/829
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a process for determining the concentration of unbound hormone, e.g., thyroxine, cortisol, or testosterone, in a liquid sample containing hormone and protein capable of binding the hormone. The sample is incubated with antibody specific to the hormone to be detected and a distinguishable analogue of the hormone, both of which are separated from the sample by semipermeable membranes capable of excluding the passage of natural protein and antibody but which allow passage of the hormone and its analogue. Preferably, the antibody and analogue are contained in semipermeable microcapsules. Free hormone in the sample permeates the membranes and competes for sites of attachment to the antibody with the analogue. The antibody and free hormones are then separated. The amount of analogue present either in association with the antibody or in the remainder of the reaction system is indicative of the level of free hormone originally present in the sample.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.