Description:

·         Circulating immunocomplexes (CIC) are precipitated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) which also precipitates small quantities of non-complex serum constituents.

·         After the wash procedure the precipitate is dissolved in a buffer solution and then tested by radial immunodiffusion (RID) for CIC (IgG, IgA, IgM and complement factors C3c and C1q).

·         The precipitation ring can be read after 48 hours against a dark background or after staining with color reagent.

·         The kit contains 5 x 32 tests in RID CIC plates.

·         Control serum, Wash and Dilution buffer, Color reagent, PEG precipitation reagent, Measuring template and Interpretation chart included.

·         The evaluation is performed according to enclosed chart.

·         Shelf life: 24 months.

Application:

·         Detection of elevated levels of circulating immunocomplexes as a feature of many disease conditions (e.g. serum sickness, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, some forms of glomerulonephritis and other inflammations).

·         The detection and quantification of CIC in serum has therefore been considered as an adjunct to the diagnosis and management of disease.

Brief assay procedure:

1.       Add serum to PEG precipitation reagent and mix well in test tube. Allow test tube to stand in the refrigerator

2.       (2 - 4 °C) for 1 - 3 hours

3.       Centrifuge at 2 - 4 °C for 20 minutes.

4.       Decant supernatant. Invert tube, allow to stand, and absorb residual liquid with absorbent paper towel.

5.       Add wash buffer (2 - 4 °C) and vortex to obtain a uniform suspension.

6.       Centrifuge at 2 - 4 °C for 20 minutes.

7.       Discard supernatant and dry precipitate.

8.       Resuspend precipitate in dilution buffer.

9.       Incubate in water-bath at 37 °C for 30 minutes.

10.   Uncover the plate before sample application and leave it at laboratory temperature for 15 - 30 minutes.

11.   Pipette diluted control serum onto application point No. 1 and pipette each of the PEG-treated samples onto application points No. 2 - 16.

12.   Seal RID plates and allow to stand on a level surface at room temperature for at least 48 hours without agitating.

13.   Evaluate results.