Immunoassays may be qualitative (positive or negative) or quantitative (amount measured). An example of a qualitative assay is an immunoassay test for pregnancy. Pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or serum. Highly purified antibodies can detect pregnancy within two days of fertilization.
Glucocorticoid: A hormone that predominantly affects the metabolism of carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, fats and proteins (and has other effects). Glucocorticoids are made in the outside portion (the cortex) of the adrenal gland and chemically classed as steroids. Cortisol is the major natural glucocorticoid. The term glucocorticoid also applies to equivalent hormones synthesized in the laboratory.
Corticosteroids are steroid hormones that are either produced by the body or are man-made. Systemic corticosteroids refer to corticosteroids that are given orally or by injection and distribute throughout the body.orticosteroids are steroid hormones that are either produced by the body or are man-made. Systemic corticosteroids refer to corticosteroids that are given orally or by injection and distribute throughout the body.