Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Also written as: CLIA — Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
A highly sensitive laboratory technique using light-producing chemical reactions to detect and quantify hormones in blood samples.
Full Definition
Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) is an advanced analytical method that combines immunoassay principles with chemiluminescent detection to measure hormone concentrations. The technique involves antibodies that bind specifically to target hormones, followed by a light-producing chemical reaction that indicates the presence and quantity of the hormone. CLIA offers superior sensitivity and specificity compared to older methods, making it the gold standard for many routine hormone tests. This technology is particularly valuable for detecting low-concentration hormones and provides rapid, automated results in clinical laboratories.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as CLIA in laboratory contexts; distinguish from Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (also CLIA).
In Context
- "The laboratory switched to chemiluminescent immunoassay for improved sensitivity in detecting low testosterone levels." — Laboratory methodology report
- "CLIA results showed significantly better precision than the previous radioimmunoassay method." — Clinical validation study