The DELFIA PCB Assay is a solid-phase time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay based on the sequential
addition of sample extract and europium-labeled PCB tracer to a monoclonal antibody reagent
specific for PCBs. In this assay, the antibody reagent and sample extract are added to a strip
of microtiter plate wells and allowed to react. The strips have been specially treated to trap
the antibody reagent or antibody-PCB complexes that may have formed. A wash step removes sample
matrix from the captured antibody. This step significantly reduces any potential matrix interferences
before the addition of the PCB tracer, resulting in an unusually robust assay system. The PCB tracer
is then added and allowed to bind to the antibodies that are not complexed with sample PCBs. A wash
step is used to separate antibody-bound tracer from the tracer free in solution. The addition of an
enhancement solution forms highly fluorescent chelates with the bound europium ions. The amount of
fluorescence measured is inversely proportional to the concentration of PCBs in the sample. For this
verification test,the lowest reporting level was 0.5 ppm.
For more information: Hybrizyme Corporation, contact
Randy Allen, rallen@hybrizyme.com,
919-783-9595