Alternative Immunoassays

Recent advances in biotechnology are changing the study and practice of diagnostic medicine, and have lead to a revival of interest in alternative immunoassays. This situation is mainly due to the advent of monoclonal antibodies, and the use of alternative labels to monitor the reactions. Many laboratory tests are now more efficient than in the past, and others can be carried out in extra-laboratory locations (e.g. the outpatient clinic, ward or home) thus making the subject of greater value to clinicians and practitioners.

This work is a comprehensive, international review of new immunoassay technologies. Examines special aspects of the subject, such as the large-scale production of novel monoclonal antibodies, the influence of reference preparations and matrix effects, and aspects of solid-phase chemistry. Covers the development of practical tests for use in extra-laboratory locations, and the recent availability of ultrasensitive, semi-automatic, laboratory procedures. Coverage of the problems of terminology and classification, and a glossary of 144 specialized terms are included.

This is a quick-reference manual on practical aspects of immunoassay. Providing a theoretical and practical basis for modern applications of solid-phase immunoassays, this text brings together experts who have used ELISA and other assays in a variety of fields. Contributors offer step-by-step guidance on how to use the various techniques involved in immunoassay. These techniques are extemely useful to laboratory-based researchers and technicians working on the detection of allergy, the AIDS virus, autoimmunity, etc. Chapters analyze the solid-phase supports used, the amplification systems, and the quantitation and affinity of antibodies and discuss the applications of assays to biology, immunology, and microbiology.

Immunoassay development is a multidisciplinary activity involving a wide range of skills possessed by few laboratories. This presentation of tried and tested methods should enable scientists and researchers in the pharmaceutical and related industries to more rapidly and effectively develop immunoassays upon which their work is becoming heavily dependent.; Important methods are included for preparing Lapten-protein conjugates and raising the necessary antibodies, concentrating on polyclonal sera, as well as methods for the synthesis of radio and enzyme labelled tracers. Particular attention is paid to the requirements of the regulatory authorities such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) with respect to assay validation. Further chapters deal with assay development and optimization, curve fitting and quality control procedures.

This unique, one-of-a-kind book provides updated information on the various aspects of luminescence immunoassay (LIA). Focusing on this newly emerging technology, this work describes the important findings regarding the chemistry of light and the various forms of luminescent immunoassay. It includes antigen labeling, enzyme labeling, cofactor labeling, enzyme multiplied assay, and multiple labeled immunoassay. This interesting text also discusses calculations, including computer programs available for high throughput analysis. No other compendium provides such a broad overview, as well as details on this fascinating subject. Both novices and experts will find important and useful information packed in this must-have resource on luminescence immunoassay.

The basis of all immunoassays is the interaction of antibodies with antigens. The most widely used immunoassay technique is radioimmunoassay (RIA) which was first developed by Yalow and Berson in 1959. The principle of RIA is elegantly simple. It utilizes a competitve binding reaction between analytes and a radio-labeled analog of the analytes (the tracer) for anti-analyte antibodies. In addition to its exquisite specificity, extraordinary sensitivity, good accuracy and precision, ease and rapidity of assay and simplicity of assay development, the applicability of RIA to a wide variety of substances has made it one of the most powerful and versatile analytical methods of the 20th century and beyond. Millions of RIA's are being performed annually on clinical, biological and environmental samples in licensed laboratories. In order to expand the use of RIA beyond the confines of these laboratories to areas like physician's offices, patients' homes, economically less developed countries, agricultural fields, large scale and continuing screening tests for infectious diseases, it has become necessary to develop non-isotopic labels. Indeed the last fifteen years have seen the development of a great number of ingenious non-isotopic labels in immunoassay so that a whole new industry capitalizing on the potential market for non isotopic immunoassays has appeared. It is the purpose of this volume to present in depth, state-of-the-art reviews on techniques used in non-isotopic immunoassays. Topics covered include: (1) Enzyme-labeled immunoassay; (2) Luminescene immunoassay; (3) Immunoassay at liquid-solid interface; (4) Membrane immunoassay and (5) "Particle"-mediated immunoassay.

Although the specimen of choice in the US drug testing industry is urine, and serum in clinical medicine, interest has recently grown in the use of other matrices as drug testing media. This book provides researchers and forensic toxicologists with a convenient general text summarizing the state of knowledge today. Chapters focus specifically on the application of these practices to drugs of abuse. The up-to-date information provided is complemented with thorough references.