A method for preventing or inhibiting non-specific binding reactions
between a detection reagent and an antigen in an immunological assay is
described. The method involves using tetrameric antibody complexes that
can bind to the antigen and are comprised of two monoclonal antibodies of
a first animal species linked to two monoclonal antibodies of a second
animal species that can bind the antibodies of the first animal species.
Preferably, the antigen is an Fc Receptor and the method reduces the
binding of a detection antibody with Fc receptors present on the surface
of many cells.