| abstract |
@ The inventive concept provides an immunoassay using an enzyme label, in which the detection of the unknown substance is performed colorimetrically directly upon a solid surface. Preferably, the surface is an impermeable surface of a dipstick. To detect antigen in a biologically derived fluid sample, a dipstick containing bound antibody may be contacted with the sample and with a soluble enzyme-labeled antibody, to cause the antigen to bind to both the immobilized antibody and the labeled antibody on the surface. After separation of unreacted reagents, the solid surface is contacted with a substrate which converts from a soluble form to an insoluble colored form in the presence of the enzyme and deposits upon the surface of the solid surface. The solid surface is separated from the solution. The sandwich immunoassay technique may also be employed to detect antibody in the sample by reversing the roles of the antigen and antibody. The system is also applicable to a competitive binding technique. The invention further includes a colored dipstick produced by this means. |