Production of antibodies and development of an immunoassay for the anticoagulant, diphacinone.

Diphacinone, a commonly used anticoagulant rodenticide, was coupled to protein via an (O-carboxymethyl) oxime bridge. Immunization in rabbits produced antibodies with good ability to recognize the hapten as demonstrated by indirect EIA and affinity column adsorption. A competitive EIA was developed which clearly measured 10 micrograms/L diphacinone concentrations showing the sensitivity of the assay. Cross-reactivity study with chlorophacinone showed that the antisera possessed a high degree of diphacinone specificity.