| abstract |
A method for the determination of a free protein subunit of a quaternary protein in a sample, which comprises: (a) contacting a sample with a first immunological binding partner which is or will be bound to a carrier, wherein the first immunological binding partner binds epitopic determinants bindable only on the free protein subunit; (b) incubating the components of step (a) for a period of time and under conditions sufficient to form an immune complex between the free protein subunit, the first immunological binding partner, and the carrier; (c) separating the carrier of step (b) from the sample; (d) adding to the carrier of step (c), a detectably-labeled second immunological binding partner, wherein the second immunological binding partner binds epitopic determinants bindable on both the free protein subunit and the quaternary protein; and (e) determining the detectably-labeled second immunological binding partner in the carrier or in liquid phase. |