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Using Immunoassay Technology to Analyze Disease States

SelectScience
17 Feb 2015
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Editorial article

Immunoassays are used to quantify proteins, hormones and antibodies in order for clinicians to identify and assess stages and progression of disease states. Modern immunoassay analyzers are capable of providing highly sensitive and specific quantitative results for large numbers of samples.

There are analyzers on the market that are suitable for every sized laboratory, from small point-of-care systems to large, high throughput, automated platforms.

Common Disease States

Bone metabolism: Immunoassays measuring calcium and phosphorous regulation (including parathyroid hormone –PTH, Vitamin D, Ostase and calcitonin) can be used to identify disorders such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, Paget disease and hyperparathyroidism.

Cardiovascular disease: The rapid diagnosis of cardiovascular disease is an essential factor in patient survival and subsequent care. This involves identifying important risk factors and estimating cardiovascular risk. Many immunoassay systems offer a cardiac panel (including CK-MB, Troponin and Myoglobin) which, along with other clinical chemistry and hematology tests, can enable clinicians to make quick, informed decisions.

Thyroid disorders: These disorders range in severity from very mild to life threatening. They can also affect patients in any age group. Immunoassays are used to measure markers such as thyroglobulin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), FT4 and FT3, as well as anti-thyroid peroxidise (Anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (Anti-Tg).

Anemia: The causes of anemia are far ranging. Immunoassays can help clinicians who are carrying out in-depth investigations following haematological tests, into the causes of anemia, such as screening for vitamin B12, folate, and ferritin deficiency.

Immunoassay Technology

Available immunoassay methodologies include Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Radioimmunoassays (RIA), Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA) and Chemiluminescence Immunoassay. You can learn more about these technologies in our exclusive Immunoassay Analyzers for Disease States Buying Guide, along with product videos, directory links and scientists reviews.

Download your Immunoassay Analyzers for Disease States Buying Guide

Visit the Immunoassay Product Directory

Other Buying Guides in the clinical series include:

• Clinical Laboratory Automation
• Hematology Analyzers
• Clinical Chemistry Analyzers
• Blood Bank Analyzers

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HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.ImmunoassayImmunoassays are laboratory tests that utilize antibody-antigen interactions to detect specific substances. They are widely used in diagnostics for detecting diseases, drug testing, and environmental monitoring. These assays offer rapid, sensitive, and precise detection of biomarkers, making them invaluable in clinical and research labs. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to compare immunoassay systems, read user reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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Using Immunoassay Technology to Analyze Disease States