Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ Charcoal, Dextran Coated is made from acid washed charcoal powder and dextran, molecular weight 64-76kDa, combined in a 10:1 (w/w) ratio._x000D_ Application_x000D_ Charcoal, Dextran Coated has been used:_x000D_ • as a supplement in cell culture media to test the functioning of androgen receptor_x000D_ • in the procedure of melatonin radioimmunoassay_x000D_ • for the preparation of steroid-free human serum_x000D_ Packaging_x000D_ 5, 20 g in glass bottle_x000D_ Biochem/physiol Actions_x000D_ The use of dextran-coated charcoal makes the immunoassay of insulin in biological fluids simpler and more rapid. In theory, the charcoal coated with dextran will adsorb the free hormone and leave hormones that are bound to a carrier (or antibody). Dextran coated charcoal is used to strip hormones from serum instead of charcoal alone, because there is less loss of protein using dextran coated charcoal._x000D_ Other Notes_x000D_ Dry preparation of dextran-treated charcoal