FLOW IMMUNOSENSOR METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

A method of detecting a target moiety comprising the steps of (a) providing an antibody (37) specific to the target, (b) satu- rating the antibody's (37's) binding sites with a labelled form of the targe t (39), (c) flowing a liquid containing the target past the antibody (37), (d) allowing the target to displace the labelled antigen (39) , and (e) detecting the displaced, labelled antigen (39). The invention is accomplished by a flow immunosensor: a flowing liquid moves a sample through the immunosensor; a receiving means (13) introduces the sample to the liquid; a flow control means (21, 23 ) controls the liquid's movement through the immu- nosensor; and exchanger (35) brings the sample into contact with labelled antigens of the target so that any target present dis- places the labelled antigen (39); a detection apparatus (41, 41a) detects an y labelled antigen (39) that is released; and a disposal means (45) disposes of or collects the waste coming from the detection apparatus (41, 41a).