| abstract |
A specific binding assay method and reagent means for determining a ligand, such as an antigen or antibody, in, or the ligand binding capacity of, a liquid medium which employs a fluorescent substance, i.e., a fluorescer, as a label. The improvement comprises measuring the fluorescer-label by chemically exciting the label and measuring the resulting light emitted thereby. Chemical excitation of the label is preferably accomplished by exposure to a substance, such as a high energy intermediate produced by the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and highly reactive materials such as oxalyl chloride, oxamides and bis-oxalate esters. The assay may follow conventional homogeneous and heterogeneous formats. The improved assay is more convenient than conventional fluorescent binding assays by obviating the need for photogenic excitation of the fluorescent label. |