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.
Glucocorticoids are hormones that regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They have anti-inflamatory and antiallergic effects. They increase the blood-glucose level by converting proteins and fats into carbohydrrates, which in turn is converted to glucose. In case of excessive bleeding, glucocorticoids constrict blood vessels to offset the drop in blood pressure due to blood loss. The most important glucocorticoid is cortisol.