Immunoradiometric assay with use of magnetizable particles: Measurement of thyrotropin in blood spots, to screen for neonatal hypothyroidism

Abstract

We adapted a commercial immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) to measure thyrotropin in filter-paper blood spots. Two 3-mm blood spots are used for each standard and sample. These are incubated for 2 h with radiolabeled antibody and for 30 min with magnetic antibody, followed by a 10-min separation procedure. Assay sensitivity is 6 milli-int. units/L. Coefficients of variation (precision profile of the standard curve) ranged from 4.3 to 9.6%. The coefficient of correlation (r) between thrytropin concentrations in the blood spots and in serum was 0.93. Pre-elution of the blood spots is necessary for short incubation time. Short incubation time, little need for specialized equipment, the high precision and sensitivity characteristic of IRMA, and ease of collection, transport, and storage of the blood-spot samples make this assay suitable for neonatal hypothyroid screening.