Characterization of antisera for human follicle-stimulating hormone radioimmunoassay.

Abstract

Abstract Recent reports describing radioimmunoassays for measuring plasma gonadotropins show marked differences in the design and extent of studies intended to prove the validity of measurements. We wish to report methods found useful in characterizing a new antiserum and establishing the reliability of an assay for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These studies characterize the assay with respect to: (1) sensitivity, (2) specificity, (3) precision, (4) accuracy, (5) similarity of dose-response relationships of standard and unknown, and (6) agreement of biological and immunological results in physiological studies. The authors believe these methods will be useful for the design of studies to validate other antisera for use in radioimmunoassays.