An immunological test method.

摘要

A sample and a magnetic carrier having a surface immobilized with a substance specifically bonded to an antigen or antibody to be detected are mixed in a reaction vessel. A magnetic field is applied to the reaction vessel to form a precipitation image on the wall surface of the reaction vessel. A strength of the magnetic field on the wall surface is distributed with a predetermined gradient from an arbitrary area on the wall. It is determined whether the antigen or antibody to be detected is present in the sample in accordance with the shape of the precipitation image. In order to distribute the strength of the magnetic field with a predetermined gradient from an arbitrary area on the wall surface, a magnet is arranged outside the reaction vessel so that the distance between the upper surface of the magnet and the wall surface of the reaction vessel is gradually increased, or a magnet having a gradient magnetic field is arranged outside the reaction vessel. By adjusting the distribution of the strength of the magnetic field on the wall surface, a precipitation image is formed without being dependent on the shape of the reaction vessel. In formation of a precipitation image on the basis of the distribution of the strength of the magnetic field on the wall surface, the wall surface may be flat. In this case, it is very easy to stably maintain the precipitation image after its formation.