Gravindex is an
agglutination
In linguistics, agglutination is a morphology (linguistics), morphological process in which words are formed by stringing together morphemes (word parts), each of which corresponds to a single Syntax, syntactic feature. Languages that use agglu ...
inhibition test performed on a
urine sample
A urine test is any medical test performed on a urine specimen. The analysis of urine is a valuable diagnostic tool because its composition reflects the functioning of many body systems, particularly the kidneys and urinary system, and specimens ...
to detect pregnancy. It is based on double
antigen
In immunology, an antigen (Ag) is a molecule, moiety, foreign particulate matter, or an allergen, such as pollen, that can bind to a specific antibody or T-cell receptor. The presence of antigens in the body may trigger an immune response.
...
antibody
An antibody (Ab) or immunoglobulin (Ig) is a large, Y-shaped protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily which is used by the immune system to identify and neutralize antigens such as pathogenic bacteria, bacteria and viruses, includin ...
reaction. The test detects the prevention of agglutination of
HCG-coated
latex
Latex is an emulsion (stable dispersion) of polymer microparticles in water. Latices are found in nature, but synthetic latices are common as well.
In nature, latex is found as a wikt:milky, milky fluid, which is present in 10% of all floweri ...
particles by HCG present in the urine of pregnant women.
Procedure and results
Kits commercially available contain two
reagent
In chemistry, a reagent ( ) or analytical reagent is a substance or compound added to a system to cause a chemical reaction, or test if one occurs. The terms ''reactant'' and ''reagent'' are often used interchangeably, but reactant specifies a ...
s; one is a suspension of HCG-coated latex particles, and the other is a solution of HCG antibodies. One drop of the urine is mixed with one drop of antibody solution for one minute on a black glass slide. One drop of the HCG-coated latex particles is added to the slide and left for one minute.
*If the level of HCG is too low, the antibodies will remain to agglutinate the HCG-coated latex particles. If agglutination occurs, the subject is not pregnant.
*If the level of HCG is high, the HCG will bind to the antibodies, and thus no agglutination with the HCG-coated latex particles occurs. If no agglutination occurs, the subject is pregnant.
References
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Tests for pregnancy