Magnetically assisted binding assays using magnetically-labeled binding members

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The present invention involves assay methods and devices for performing binding assays, wherein the detectable label is a magnetically responsive material. Direct and indirect competitive and , sandwich assay formats are used to partition the magnetically attractable label between a solid phase and a fluid phase in proportion to the presence or amount of analyte in the test sample. The magnetic responsiveness of the magnetically attractable label in one or both phases results in the exertion of a force upon the label. By determining the extent of the force or influence of the force exerted upon the label, the amount of the analyze in the test sample is determined.