chemiluminescensimmunoassay

Chemiluminescent immunoassay, often abbreviated as CLIA, is a type of immunoassay that utilizes a chemiluminescent label to detect the presence or quantify the amount of a specific analyte. In a CLIA, an antigen or antibody is labeled with a chemiluminescent compound. This labeled molecule then interacts with its corresponding binding partner in a sample. When the chemiluminescent reaction is triggered, light is emitted. The intensity of this emitted light is directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte being measured.

The process typically involves incubating the sample with the labeled reagent and then separating unbound reagents from the bound complex. A chemical trigger, such as an oxidant or peroxide, is then added to initiate the light-emitting reaction. The emitted light is measured using a luminometer. CLIA offers several advantages, including high sensitivity due to the low background signal and the potential for automation. It is widely used in clinical diagnostics for detecting a variety of substances, including hormones, proteins, and antibodies for infectious diseases. The specificity of the immunoassay relies on the high affinity between the antibody and antigen.