Evaluation of a new enzyme‐linked immunoassay for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in haematologic malignancies

Abstract
We have evaluated a new solid phase enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for detection of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT). The EIA is greater than 100 times more sensitive than previously used tests for enzyme activity. In 284 clinical specimens of human peripheral blood and bone marrow, the EIA detected TdT antigen in 97% of peripheral blood and 100% of bone marrow samples that were positive for enzymatic activity. The excellent sensitivity and specificity of this new test suggests that it can be used in clinical situations where quantitative TdT measurements are desired.