Detection of biotinylated DNA probes by using Eu-labeled streptavidin and time-resolved fluorometry

Europium has been used as a label in immunoassays as it can be measured with high sensitivity by means of time-resolved fluorometry. Here we have used streptavidin labeled with europium chelates in the detection of adenovirus type 2 DNA bound to microtiter wells after hybridization with a biotinylated probe. The method gave quantitative results and a sensitivity of about 10 pg of the specific DNA.