| abstract |
A homogeneous specific binding assay element, a method for its preparation, and a method for its use in determining a ligand in or the ligand binding capacity of a liquid sample. The test element comprises a solid carrier incorporated with reagents for a homogeneous specific binding assay system which produces a detectable response, usually an electromagnetic radiation signal, that is a function of the presence or amount of the ligand in or the ligand binding capacity of the sample. Also a method for preparing a homogeneous specific binding assay element for determining a ligand in or the ligand binding capacity of a liquid sample by incorporating a carrier with a composition which includes a label conjugate, comprising a label component coupled to a ligand moiety or a specific binding analog thereof, and a reagent reactive with the label conjugate, which method comprises (a) incorporating the carrier with the reagent reactive with the label conjugate in a first liquid and drying the carrier; and then (b) incorporating the carrier of (a) with the label conjugate in a liquid effective to prevent reaction with the reagent reactive with the label conjugate prior to contact of the element with the sample and drying the carrier. |