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 a type of antiâinflammatory medication that is effective in the treatment and prevention of allergic reactions and asthma attacks.atients should not take corticosteroid drugs if they have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions: 1  Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). 2  A disease in which the body cannot adequately process glucose (blood sugar) for energy. 3  Some types of corticosteroids affect blood glucose control. 4  Cirrhosis.