IMMUNOFLUOROMETRIC ASSAYS Meaning and
Definition
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Immunofluorometric assays (IFMAs) are laboratory methods used to detect and measure the concentration of specific substances in biological samples using the principles of immunology and fluorescence detection.
In an IFMA, a target substance or analyte is first captured by specific antibodies that have been specially designed to bind to the analyte. These antibodies are immobilized on a solid support, such as the wells of a microplate or the surface of a bead. When the biological sample containing the analyte is added to the system, the analyte binds to the immobilized antibodies, forming an antibody-analyte complex.
Next, a second antibody that is labeled with a fluorescent marker is added to the system. This second antibody recognizes a different site on the analyte and binds to it, forming a sandwich complex. The fluorescence label on the second antibody enables the detection and quantification of the sandwich complexes.
The fluorescence emitted by the labeled antibodies is then measured using a fluorometer or a similar instrument. The intensity of the fluorescence is directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the sample. By comparing the fluorescence intensity of the unknown sample to a calibration curve generated from known standards, the concentration of the analyte can be determined.
IFMAs are widely used in clinical and research settings for the quantification of various analytes, including hormones, proteins, drugs, and infectious agents. These assays are known for their high sensitivity, specificity, and precision, making them valuable tools in diagnostics, pharmaceutical development, and biomedical research.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNOFLUOROMETRIC ASSAYS
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Etymology of IMMUNOFLUOROMETRIC ASSAYS
The term "Immunofluorometric Assays" can be broken down as follows:
1. Immun: This prefix comes from the Latin word "immunis", meaning "exempt". In the context of biology and medicine, it refers to the immune system or immune response.
2. Fluoro: This prefix is derived from the Greek word "fluoros", which means "flowing" or "streaming". In scientific terminology, it is associated with fluorescence, which is the emission of light by a substance after it has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation.
3. Metric: This word comes from the Greek word "metron", meaning "measure". In scientific and medical vocabulary, it indicates a measurement or quantitative analysis.
4. Assays: This term also has Latin origins, derived from the word "assay" or "assaiare", meaning "to try" or "to test".
