Imunoassays

Immunoassays are biochemical tests that measure the presence or concentration of a substance, typically an antigen or antibody, in a biological sample. They utilize the highly specific binding reaction between an antibody and its corresponding antigen. This specificity is the cornerstone of immunoassay technology, allowing for the detection of even minute amounts of target molecules within complex mixtures.

The basic principle involves incubating a sample with an antibody or antigen that has been labeled with a detectable marker. This marker can be an enzyme, a fluorescent dye, a radioactive isotope, or a chemiluminescent substance. When the antibody and antigen bind, the label is brought into close proximity with the antigen or antibody. The amount of bound label is then measured, and this measurement is proportional to the concentration of the target substance in the original sample.

Various formats exist, including ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), radioimmunoassay (RIA), and immunofluorescence assays. Each format employs different detection methods and has unique advantages and applications. Immunoassays are widely used in clinical diagnostics for detecting infectious diseases, monitoring therapeutic drug levels, and diagnosing conditions like cancer. They also find applications in research, food safety testing, and environmental monitoring. Their sensitivity, specificity, and versatility have made them indispensable tools in many scientific and medical fields.