Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A test device for detecting the presence of a ligand in a test sample, said test device comprising a carrier matrix incorporated with components for a homogeneous specific binding assay for the ligand, said components comprising a complex of a specific binding partner for the ligand and a conjugate comprising a label and the ligand or a specific binding analog of the ligand, wherein the label is capable of providing a detectable response when not part of said complex, but which response is inhibited when the label-containing conjugate is part of said complex, and wherein said specific binding partner is unbound to said matrix.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A test device for detecting the presence of a ligand in a test sample, said test device comprising a carrier matrix incorporated with components for a homogeneous specific binding assay for the ligand, said components comprising a complex of a specific binding partner for the ligand and a conjugate comprising a label and the ligand or a specific binding analog of the ligand, wherein the label is capable of providing a detectable response when not part of said complex, but which response is inhibited when the label-containing conjugate is part of said complex, and wherein said specific binding partner is unbound to said matrix.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 1 in which said label comprises a prosthetic group of an enzyme and in which said components further comprise an apoenzyme of said enzyme.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1 in which said label comprises an enzyme substrate, and in which said components further comprise an enzyme capable of acting on said substrate to produce a detectable response.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 1 in which said label comprises a coenzyme, and in which said components further comprise reactants for an enzymatic reaction requiring the participation of said coenzyme.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 1 in which said label comprises an enzyme modulator, and in which said components further comprise reagents for an enzymatic reaction capable of being modulated by said label.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 in which said label is an enzyme whose activity is affected when the labeled conjugate is complexed with said specific binding partner.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1 in which said label is a quenchable fluorescer whose fluorescence is at least partially quenched when the labeled conjugate is complexed with said specific binding partner.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1 in which said label is a chemically excitable fluorescer whose ability to be chemically excited is affected when the labeled conjugate is complexed with said specific binding partner.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 1 in which said label is a double antibody steric hindrance label whereby the activity of said label is hindered when the labeled conjugate is complexed with said specific binding partner.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 in which said label is β-galactosyl-umbelliferone, and in which said components further comprise β-galactosidase.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
43 words
The device of any one of claims 1-10 in which said ligand is a polypeptide, protein, carbohydrate, glycoprotein, nucleic acid or sequence thereof, steroid, other molecule for which a specific binding partner exists or can be synthesized, or a specific binding analog thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 11 wherein the ligand is an immunoglobulin, enzyme, hapten having a molecular weight between 100 and 1,500, aminoglycoside, antibiotic, hormone, vitamin, steroid, nucleic acid, or nucleic acid sequence.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
96 words
A method for preparing a test device for detecting the presence of a ligand in a test sample, said method comprising the steps of forming a complex of a specific binding partner for said ligand and a conjugate comprising a label and the ligand or a specific binding analog of the ligand, wherein the label is capable of providing a detectable response when not part of said complex, but which response is inhibited when the label-containing conjugate is part of said complex, and contacting a carrier with said complex, thereby incorporating said carrier with said complex.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
96 words
A method for preparing a test device for detecting the presence of a ligand in a test sample, said method comprising the steps of forming a complex of a specific binding partner for said ligand and a conjugate comprising a label and the ligand or a specific binding analog of the ligand, wherein the label is capable of providing a detectable response when not part of said complex, but which response is inhibited when the label-containing conjugate is part of said complex, and contacting a carrier with said complex, thereby incorporating said carrier with said complex.