Immunoassaymenetelmillä

Immunoassaymenetelmillä, commonly referred to as immunoassays, are biochemical tests that utilize the specific binding properties of antibodies to detect and quantify the presence of an analyte in a sample. The fundamental principle behind immunoassays is the highly specific interaction between an antibody and its corresponding antigen. When an antibody and its target antigen are mixed, they form a stable complex. This binding event can be detected and measured through various means, allowing for the identification and quantification of the antigen, or conversely, the antibody.

There are numerous types of immunoassays, each employing different detection methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a widely used technique where an enzyme conjugated to an antibody or antigen generates a detectable signal, often a color change, upon reaction with a substrate. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) uses a radioactively labeled antigen or antibody, with the signal intensity proportional to the amount of analyte. Other methods include chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIA), fluorescence immunoassays (FIA), and lateral flow assays (LFA), such as those found in rapid diagnostic tests.

Immunoassays are invaluable tools in a wide range of fields, including clinical diagnostics for detecting diseases and monitoring treatment, drug testing, food safety analysis for detecting contaminants, and research for studying biological processes. Their sensitivity, specificity, and versatility have made them a cornerstone of modern analytical science. The development of novel antibody-antigen detection systems and automation has further enhanced their efficiency and applicability.