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 and the immune system. background. Steroids are natural or synthetic fatty substances that contain four carbon rings, including the sex hormones. Corticosteroids are steroid hormones that are naturally produced (endogenous) in the adrenal glands. They suppress the immune response and decrease inflammation. There are two types of corticosteroids - glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.