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 class of drugs based on hormones formed in the adrenal gland or derived synthetically. They are created from cholesterol and divided into two major groups: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.Common glucocorticoids are cortisol (hydrocortisone), prednisolone, dexamethasone, and corticosterone.orticosteroids are a class of drugs based on hormones formed in the adrenal gland or derived synthetically. They are created from cholesterol and divided into two major groups: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.