Method and apparatus for simultaneous quantitative analysis of several constituents in a sample

摘要

A method for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of antigens or antigen-effective substances in a sample provides placing the sample in a carrier medium through which it migrates toward a plurality of physically separate carrier strips. The medium on each strip contains a quantity of a specific ingredient, for example an antibody, which is expected to undergo a specific immunoreaction with one of the constituents in the sample, thereby producing a visible precipitate. The dimensions of the final precipitate then permit a direct measurement of the identified substance. A known concentration of a calibrating substance may be added to the sample to provide for calibration precipitates in the various strips. The apparatus for practicing the method includes a base plate on which the neutral, antibody-free carrier medium as well as the various strips containing media with antibodies or other immunoreactive ingredients are located. An electric field may be applied to aid in the migration of the sample in the medium.