Immumääritysmenetelmiä

Immumääritysmenetelmiä are laboratory techniques used to detect and quantify specific molecules, typically antigens or antibodies, in biological samples. These methods rely on the highly specific binding reaction between an antibody and its corresponding antigen. The principle behind immunoassay is to generate a detectable signal, such as a color change, fluorescence, or luminescence, when this binding occurs.

One common type of immunoassay is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In an ELISA, an antibody or antigen is immobilized on a solid surface, such as a microplate well. The sample containing the target molecule is then added, allowing it to bind. A second antibody, conjugated to an enzyme, is introduced to detect the bound molecule. Finally, a substrate is added, which the enzyme converts into a measurable signal.

Other immunoassay techniques include radioimmunoassay (RIA), which uses radioactive isotopes for detection, and lateral flow assays, commonly seen in rapid diagnostic tests like pregnancy tests. Immunoassays are widely used in clinical diagnostics for detecting infectious diseases, monitoring hormone levels, and identifying biomarkers for various conditions. They are also employed in research for protein analysis and drug discovery, and in food safety for detecting allergens or contaminants. The sensitivity and specificity of these methods make them invaluable tools in both medical and scientific fields.