What Is Immunoassay and How Can It Help You?
Immunoassay is a powerful biochemical test used to detect and measure the concentration of specific substances, known as analytes, in biological samples. These analytes, often proteins or molecules, form a stable complex with specific antibodies during the testing process, which allows for precise detection and quantification.
How Does Immunoassay Work?
The key to immunoassay lies in its use of antibodies that bind to specific analytes (also called antigens) in the sample. This binding can be detected through a measurable signal generated by a label, such as an enzyme, attached to the antibody or antigen. When the label interacts with the analyte, it produces signals like color changes, radiation, glowing under light, or the production of light—making it easier to measure.
Commonly, an enzyme is used as the label in immunoassays, creating what is known as an enzyme immunoassay. Two widely-used methods include:
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Techniques (EMIT)
Types of Immunoassays
Immunoassays can be categorized into two main types:
- Qualitative Immunoassays: These tests determine the presence or absence of a specific enzyme or hormone, such as hCG (pregnancy test) or tumor markers.
- Quantitative Immunoassays: These measure the precise amount of an enzyme or hormone present in the sample. For example, tests for CK-MB (heart disease), insulin (hypoglycemia), PSA (prostate cancer), and drug levels.
How Immunoassay Benefits You
Whether you’re monitoring hormone levels, diagnosing disease, or testing for specific conditions, immunoassays provide accurate, reliable results to guide treatment and health management.
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