SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION BY HYBRID CAPTURE

The methods of the invention relate to signal amplification for assays detecting a particular target analyte. Amplification is accomplished by utilizing one or more binding partner pairs to generate signal amplification. The present invention concerns a method to improve detection or quantitation of a target analyte in a sample by amplifying the detector signal which comprises reacting a target analyte with a conjugate consisting of a detectably labeled substrate specific for the enzyme system, said conjugate reacts with the analyte dependent enzyme activation system to form an activated conjugate which deposits substantially wherever receptor for the activated conjugate is immobilized, said receptor not being reactive with the analyte dependent enzyme activation system. In another embodiment the invention concerns an assay for detecting the presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample to amplify the reporter signal.