# Detecting Bacteria Using Special Antibodies in Medical Tests > This patent describes a way to test for certain bacteria, like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, by using a special antibody that can recognize two different parts of the bacteria at once. - **Patent:** US 20180164316 - **Original title:** Test object detection method, and immunoassay instrument and monoclonal antibody for same - **Owner:** Denka Seiken Co - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical, medical_devices ## What it does This patent explains a method for medical testing, specifically an immunoassay, to find a 'test subject' that has at least two different types of antigens. The key is using a single monoclonal antibody, or a piece of it that can bind to antigens, which is designed to recognize *both* of these antigen types. This is useful in tests like the sandwich method or immunochromatography, where the antibody might be attached to a label or a solid surface. For example, it can detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae by recognizing its P1 protein and P30 protein simultaneously. ## What it does NOT cover - Methods using multiple different antibodies, each recognizing only one antigen type - Tests for subjects with only one type of antigen - Immunoassays that do not use a monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment - Detection methods that are not immunoassays - Detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae by recognizing only the P1 protein or only the P30 protein ## The clever bit The clever part is designing a single antibody that can bind to two distinct antigens on the same target. This overcomes the typical limitation where a single monoclonal antibody might only recognize one antigen, potentially leading to false negatives if that specific antigen is not present or accessible. ## Real-world examples 1. Diagnostic test kits for Mycoplasma pneumoniae 2. Immunochromatographic strips for rapid pathogen detection 3. Laboratory instruments for immunoassay analysis ## Why it matters This patent addresses a challenge in medical diagnostics: improving the sensitivity of tests that rely on monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are precise but can sometimes be too specific, missing variations. This invention offers a way to get better detection results, even when using a single type of antibody, which can lead to more accurate and reliable diagnostic tools for infectious diseases. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Detecting Bacteria Using Special Antibodies in Medical Tests cover? This patent describes a way to test for certain bacteria, like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, by using a special antibody that can recognize two different parts of the bacteria at once. ### Who owns patent US 20180164316? This patent is owned by Denka Seiken Co. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on May 27, 2036, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? This patent addresses a challenge in medical diagnostics: improving the sensitivity of tests that rely on monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are precise but can sometimes be too specific, missing variations. This invention offers a way to get better detection results, even when using a single type of antibody, which can lead to more accurate and reliable diagnostic tools for infectious diseases. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Methods using multiple different antibodies, each recognizing only one antigen type **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20180164316/test-object-detection-method-and-immunoassay-instrument-and-monoclonal-antibody- **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20180164316 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [A New, More Accurate Test for 'Walking Pneumonia' Bacteria](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20230176052/mycoplasma-pneumoniae-immunoassay-method-and-immunoassay-instrument) — This patent describes a new method and instrument for detecting *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, the bacteria causing 'walking pneumonia,' using a special antibody that binds strongly to two specific proteins from the germ. - [How Two Special Antibodies Find Substances in Body Fluids](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4376110/psa-test-for-prostate-cancer) — This patent describes a "sandwich" method using two highly specific, man-made antibodies to detect and measure tiny amounts of specific substances, like disease markers, in a fluid sample. - [A Specific Antibody for Detecting Human IgG4 in Medical Tests](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20210140973/anti-human-igg4-monoclonal-antibody-and-human-igg4-assay-reagent-using-said-anti) — This patent describes a unique lab-made antibody designed to precisely find and stick to a specific part of human IgG4, a type of immune protein, which is useful for diagnosing certain diseases. - [An Antibody That Detects Specific Sugar-Protein Combinations for Diagnostics](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10479827/monoclonal-antibody-reacting-with-glycopeptide-and-use-thereof) — This patent describes a unique antibody designed to precisely recognize a specific sugar-protein structure, particularly a 'fucosylated glycopeptide' found on certain proteins like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which is useful for medical tests. - [How to Find Antibodies That Only Detect Bound Drug Targets](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12590172/complex-specific-antibodies-and-antibody-fragments-and-its-use) — This patent describes a method to create and use special antibodies that only detect when a therapeutic or diagnostic antibody is bound to its target, ignoring both the target and the unbound antibody.