Multiparameter particle analysis

Abstract

A method for determining the presence of a specific binding member bound to first particles in a liquid medium is disclosed. The method comprises providing in combination (1) a liquid medium suspected of containing a specific binding member bound to first particles, (2) means for agglutinating the first particles in relation to the presence of the specific binding member, and (3) second particles having the same or a different specific binding member for said means for agglutinating bound thereto, thereby providing for said means to agglutinate the second particles. Agglutination of the first and second particles are separately detectible and distinguishable by spectroscopic measurement. The medium is incubated and agglutination of each of the particles is determined spectroscopically without separating the first and second particles. The agglutination of the first particles is related to the presence of the specific binding member on the first particles, and the absence of agglutination of the first particles taken together with agglutination of the second particles is related to the absence of the specific binding member on the first particles.