Immunoassay
Immunoassay — A biochemical test that uses antibody-antigen binding to measure the presence or concentration of a peptide or protein in a sample.
What Is an Immunoassay?
An immunoassay uses antibody-antigen binding to detect and quantify peptides with high sensitivity and specificity. Immunoassays are the primary method for measuring peptide hormone concentrations in biological samples (blood, urine, tissue) at picomolar to nanomolar levels.
Immunoassay Formats
- ELISA: Enzyme-linked. Colorimetric/chemiluminescent readout. Most common format
- RIA: Radioimmunoassay. Radiolabeled tracer competed by sample peptide. Historic gold standard
- CLIA: Chemiluminescent immunoassay. Automated platforms (Roche, Abbott)
- Multiplex: Luminex/MSD. 10-50 peptides measured simultaneously from one sample
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Immunoassay?
A biochemical test that uses antibody-antigen binding to measure the presence or concentration of a peptide or protein in a sample.
Why is Immunoassay important in peptide research?
Immunoassay is a fundamental concept in analytical as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.