METHOD FOR DRYING MAMMALIAN CELLS ON A SOLID-PHASE SUPPORT AND IMMUNOASSAY USING THIS SUPPORT

A method for drying mammalian cells, such as erythrocytes, lumphocytes, leukocytes and platelets onto a solid-phase support for use in solid-phase immunoassays through use of a drying solution and an article for use in immunoassays prepared by such method. The method comprises immobilizing a monolayer of cells onto the solid-phase support by non-covalent binding. This is accomplished by staining the solid-phase support with an organic dye having a net positive charge which permits non-covalent binding of the cells which carry a net negative charge to the solid-phase support. These cells are dried or fixed to the solid-phase support by addition of a drying solution which comprises an aqueous solution of a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide or cyclitol and a salt. The preferred monosaccharide is D-(-)glucose and the preferred salt is sodium chloride. The preferred drying solution comprises a 1.0M solution of dextrose and a 154mM solution of sodium chloride. The drying solution is contacted with the immobilized cells and immediately decanted and any excess water or drying solution is removed by drying the solid-phase support in a sealed pouch with a dessicant material for 3-8 days at between 2-8 DEG C. The preferred amount of time required for complete drying is 7 days at 2-8 DEG C.