This chapter explains the technology and chemistry behind the VITROS^® Immuno-Rate and MicroTipTM Assays. These technologies provide immunoassay capability on the VITROS range of random-access clinical chemistry analyzers. The immunoassays are based on enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT^®), turbidimetry, or enzyme immunoassay, using horseradish peroxidase as the label. The features of the products are listed, and the design and principles explained. There are also sections on calibration, antibodies, separation, signal generation and detection, and data processing, including interfacing to laboratory information systems.

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics has been divested from the Johnson & Johnson family of companies and is now a privately owned company.

Maria-Magdalena Patru (mpatru11@its.jnj.com) is now the contact for readers making enquiries about the Vitros® Immuno-Rate  and MicroTip™ product ranges.

This chapter was originally written by Susan J. Danielson and David A. Hilborn, both Principal Scientists at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Rochester, New York, USA. It was revised for the fourth edition of The Immunoassay Handbook by John Backus previously Director, Scientific Affairs, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics.

Maria-Magdalena Patru, MD, PhD, is Manager, Medical and Scientific Affairs at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics.   During her professional life, Maria has held scientific and clinical fellowship positions and has more than 6 years of experience in the field of medical devices, including immunodiagnostics, clinical chemistry, microbiology, novel biomarkers, and molecular diagnostics.  Maria earned her medical degree in Romania, from the internationally recognized University of Cluj-Napoca School of Medicine and Pharmacy, and her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from University of Rochester, NY.  Her thesis research focused on identifying enzymes involved in mycobacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis with role in survival under non-replicating conditions.

VITROS^®, Immuno-Rate, MicroTip, dry slide, enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT^®), turbidimetry, agglutination, horseradish peroxidase, random access, competitive, immunometric, calibration, antibodies, separation, signal generation, signal detection, Stat test.