Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Immunoassay
A laboratory technique that uses antibodies to measure hormone concentrations in biological samples.
Full Definition
Immunoassays are analytical methods that exploit the specific binding between antibodies and antigens to quantify hormones in serum, plasma, or other biological fluids. Common types include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA), and radioimmunoassays (RIA). These techniques are fundamental to hormone testing because they provide high specificity and sensitivity for detecting even minute quantities of hormones in clinical samples.
Usage
Usage note: Write as one word, not 'immuno-assay' or 'immuno assay'.
In Context
- "The immunoassay showed cross-reactivity with structurally similar hormones." — Laboratory validation report
- "Immunoassay methods may overestimate hormone levels due to interfering substances." — Quality control documentation
Also known as
Immunometric assay
Don't confuse with
Mass spectrometry
Chromatography
Bioassay