ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY Meaning and
Definition
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Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) is a laboratory technique used to detect and quantify specific substances, such as proteins, peptides, hormones, drugs, or antibodies, in a patient's blood or other bodily fluids. It is based on the principle of specific binding between an antigen and its corresponding antibody.
In an EIA, a solid surface, such as a microplate or membrane, is coated with a known antibody specific to the target substance. The patient's sample is then added to the surface, allowing any target substance present in the sample to bind to the antibody. After a thorough washing to remove any unbound substances, a second enzyme-labeled antibody, specific to a different region of the target substance, is added. This second antibody binds to the bound target substance, forming a sandwich-like complex.
Once again, the surface is washed to remove any unbound labeled antibodies, leaving only the enzyme-labeled antibodies attached to the surface. The enzyme is chosen based on its ability to produce a measurable signal, usually through a color change or light emission. The addition of a substrate initiates the enzyme reaction, resulting in the generation of the detectable signal.
The intensity of the signal is directly proportional to the concentration of the target substance present in the patient's sample. By comparing the signal obtained from the patient's sample against a standard curve of known concentrations, the specific amount or presence of the target substance can be determined.
EIA is a widely used technique in clinical diagnostics, research, and drug discovery due to its sensitivity, specificity, and ability to measure low concentrations of target substances.
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Etymology of ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY
The word "enzyme immunoassay" has its roots in the field of scientific research and medical diagnostics.
"Enzyme" comes from the Greek word "enzymos", which means "in yeast". This term was initially coined by the German physiologist Wilhelm Kühne in the late 19th century to describe certain substances found in yeast cells that promote biochemical reactions.
"Immunoassay" combines two words: "immuno" and "assay". "Immuno" is derived from the Latin word "immunis", which means "exempt" or "protected". It refers to the immune system's ability to recognize and defend against foreign substances or antigens. "Assay" comes from the Old French term "assai" and means "to examine" or "to test". It has been used in the context of analyzing chemical substances since the 14th century.
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