Ónæmisferlum

Ónæmisferlum, often translated as immunoassay, is a biochemical test that detects and quantifies specific substances, typically antigens or antibodies, using an immunological reaction. These tests rely on the highly specific binding between an antigen and its corresponding antibody. The presence or amount of the target substance is determined by measuring the signal generated from this binding event, which can be optical, enzymatic, or radioactive.

Immunoassays are widely used in various fields, including clinical diagnostics for detecting diseases, drug testing, food safety analysis, and environmental monitoring. In medical settings, they are crucial for identifying infectious agents like viruses and bacteria, diagnosing autoimmune disorders, and monitoring therapeutic drug levels. The sensitivity and specificity of immunoassays make them powerful tools for detecting even very small quantities of target molecules.

Common types of immunoassays include ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), Western blot, radioimmunoassay (RIA), and immunofluorescence. Each method employs different detection systems but all leverage the principle of antigen-antibody recognition. The development and refinement of immunoassays have significantly advanced diagnostic capabilities and scientific research.