title: Development and utility of a monoclonal-antibody-based, highly sensitive immunoradiometric assay of thyrotropin.
abstract: Using improved selection techniques, we isolated four monoclonal antibodies with high affinity for human thyrotropin (Ka = 1.6 X 10(8) to 2.6 X 10(10) L/mol). We used two of these in an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) that also incorporates a novel phase-separation technology (Sucrosep TSH IRMA, Boots-Celltech). This assay's very low detection limit for TSH (0.03-0.08 milli-int. unit/L) and wide working range (0-250 milli-int. unit/L) allow the differential diagnosis of hypothyroid, euthyroid, and hyperthyroid patients. We compare the utility of this IRMA with that of a RIA for patients with various thyroid disorders. As determined by IRMA, a normal concentration of TSH in serum excludes hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, whereas an undetectable serum TSH concentration (less than 0.08 milli-int. unit/L) accurately predicts an abnormality in thyroid gland function.
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000917:Antibody Formation; D003429:Cross Reactions; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000379:methods; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000097:blood; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D013972:Thyrotropin