ß-HCG
The β-HCG ELISA Kit is an enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of total human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG and ß-hCG) in serum.
Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone which is normally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. After conception, the hCG concentration increases rapidly to reach a peak near the end of the first trimester. High concentrations are observed throughout pregnancy. After delivery, hCG levels fall rapidly and become undetectable after a few days. Structurally intact hCG molecules are composed of an alpha and a beta subunit. The alpha subunit is nearly identical to the alpha subunits of other glycoprotein hormones, such as Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): The differences in the beta subunit of the respective hormones account for their biological specificity and immunochemical distinctiveness. Monoclonal antibodies recognizing unique sites on the beta chain of the ß-hCG/hCG molecule are essential for differentiation between hCG and LH, FSH and TSH. Specific assays for beta-hCG permit the early detection of pregnancy. In addition to the elevated hCG levels during pregnancy, high concentrations of ßhCG/hCG may be associated with neoplasms of trophoblastic and nontrophoblastic origin such as hydatiform mole, chorionepithelioma, embryonal cell carcinoma,seminoma and many others.
The β-HCG ELISA Kit is a solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the sandwich principle. The microtiter wells are coated with a monoclonal antibody [mouse] directed towards a unique antigenic site on a β-HCG molecule. An aliquot of Donor sample containing endogenous β-HCG and/or HCG is incubated in the coated well with enzyme conjugate, which is an anti- β-HCG antibody conjugated with horseradish peroxidase. After incubation the unbound conjugate is washed off. The amount of bound peroxidase is proportional to the concentration of β-HCG/HCG in the sample. Having added the substrate solution, the intensity of colour developed is proportional to the concentration of β- HCG/HCG in the Donor sample.
- Sancken, U., Bartels, I., Der sogenannte Triple-Test. Reproduktionsmedizin 15:276-284, 1999
- Cole L.A. Clinical Chemistry 43:12, 2233-2243, 1997
- Iles R.K., Javid M.K., Gunn L.K., Chard T. Clinical Chemistry 45:4, 532-538, 1999
- Iles R.K., Javid M.K., Gunn L.K., Chard T. Clinical Chemistry 40:3, 484-485, 1994
- Korhonen J., Alfthan H., Ylöstalo P., Veldhuis J., Stenman U.-H. Clinical Chemistry 43:11, 2155-2163, 1997