COMBINED IMMUNOASSAY AND MAGNETIC IMMUNOASSAY METHODS FOR EXTENDED RANGE OF SENSITIVITY

The present invention relates to methods that utilize a combination of immunoassay and magnetic immunoassay techniques to detect an analyte within an extended range of specified concentrations. In particular, a method includes forming, in a biological sample, a first complex of signal antibodies and analyte, and a second complex of the first complex and capture antibodies immobilized on magnetic beads, and contacting a first immunosensor with the biological sample to form a third complex localized on or near a surface of the first immunosensor. The first immunosensor includes an immobilized layer of capture antibodies configured to bind to the analyte, and the third complex includes the first complex bound to the immobilized layer of capture antibodies. The method further includes contacting a magnetic field localized around a second immunosensor with the biological sample such that the second complex is localized on or near a surface of the second immunosensor.