immunodiagnostyce

Immunodiagnostyce, more commonly called immunodiagnostics, refers to medical laboratory methods that use antigen–antibody reactions to detect or measure biological markers in clinical samples. Techniques may be qualitative, providing presence/absence, or quantitative, yielding concentration values.

Common methods include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence assays, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and rapid lateral-flow immunochromatographic tests. Flow cytometry and nephelometry are specialized techniques for measuring immune markers in cells or body fluids. In these assays, labeled antibodies generate a detectable signal that can be read visually, spectrometrically, or by automated instruments.

Applications span infectious disease diagnosis, autoimmune serology, allergy testing, cancer biomarker assessment, and transplant monitoring. Immunodiagnostics are also used in veterinary medicine and research. They support screening, confirmation, prognosis, and treatment decisions, and are often employed in conjunction with molecular tests to provide a fuller diagnostic picture.

Interpretation depends on sensitivity, specificity, and the testing context. Cross-reactivity, timing of specimen collection, and preanalytical factors can affect results, leading to false positives or negatives. Rigorous quality control, proficiency testing, and appropriate regulatory approvals underpin reliability.

The field developed in the 20th century alongside antibody-based technologies and increasingly uses automated platforms and multiplex panels. Regulatory frameworks govern validation, labeling, and clinical use, with ongoing advances in point-of-care tests and integration with molecular diagnostics.