Simple solid-phase radioimmunoassays for total tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine in serum, and their clinical evaluation

Abstract

1. 1. Simple solid-phase radioimmunoassay methods for total tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine in serum or plasma are described. By using antibodies that are covalently coupled to microcrystalline cellulose, virtually identical assay procedures can be used for the determination of both hormones. An alkaline sodium glycinate buffer provides better assay conditions than the buffers often recommended for thyroid hormone radioimmunoassay. 2. 2. Assay results are unaffected by moderate sample haemolysis. Plasma samples stored at room temperature for more than nine days often show an apparent increase in concentration of both thyroid hormones. 3. 3. Serum tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations in healthy euthyroid subjects, and in euthyroid pregnant women are reported. In a series of 100 consecutive patients referred to a thyroid clinic the tri-iodothyronine assay discriminated better than the thyroxine assay between hyperthyroid and euthyroid patients. The thyroxine assay was much better than the tri-iodothyronine assay in discriminating between hypothyroid and euthyroid patients.