Importance

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Abstract

A sandwich assay method for detecting the presence of a target molecule in a sample comprising a complex biological fluid is provided. The assay comprises providing a first affinity ligand with affinity for the target molecule, which affinity ligand is capable of being immobilized to a solid support; applying the sample in such a way that binding of a target molecule, if present in the sample, to the first affinity ligand is enabled; applying a second affinity ligand with affinity for the target molecule, the application enabling binding of the second affinity ligand to the target molecule; removing second affinity ligand not bound to target molecule; and detecting the presence of the second affinity ligand, such presence being an indicator of the presence of a target molecule in the sample. The first affinity ligand is immobilized to the solid support at any stage before said detection, and at least one of the first and second affinity ligands is an affinity ligand other than an antibody. The invention also provides a kit for use in the method. The kit comprises: a first affinity ligand with affinity for the target molecule and capable of being immobilized to a slid support; a second affinity ligand with affinity for the target molecule, the presence of which ligand is detectable; and a solid support to which the first affinity ligand is capable of being immobilized. In he kit, at least one of the first and second affinity ligands is an affinity ligand other than an antibody.

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First Claim