ENZYME IMMUNOASSAYS IN DIAGNOSTIC MEDICINE - THEORY AND PRACTICE

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 53  (1) , 55-65
Abstract
The enzyme immunoassay methods developed recently and reviewed here hold great promise for application in a wide variety of conditions. Under laboratory conditions they can be as sensitive as radio-immunoassay, but they can also be adapted as simple field screening procedures. These methods are based on the use of antibodies or antigens that are linked to an insoluble carrier surface. This is then used to capture the relevant antigen or antibody in the test solution, and the complex is detected using an enzyme-labeled antibody or antigen. The degradation of the enzyme substrate, measured photometrically, is proportional to the concentration of the unknown antibody or antigen in the test solution. The application of these techniques to endocrinology, immunopathology, hematology, microbiology and parasitology is reviewed.