An on-line immunoassay method for theophylline using a protein A immunoreactor

A heterogeneous fluorescence immunoassay for theophylline has been automated using a flow injection analysis system containing a protein A solid phase reactor to separate antibody-bound and unbound fluorescein-theophylline. For each sample the antibody-protein A reaction takes place at near neutral pH, and the complexes are eluted at acid pH. The antibody-binding capacity of the reaction greatly exceeds the antibody level in each sample incubation mixture, and a single reactor can be repeatedly cycled between neutral and acid pHs. Experimental variations such as reactor size, flow rate, pH values, and reactant concentrations have been studied. Theophylline could readily be determined at the micrograms ml-1 level with on-line incubation with antibodies.