MEIA is a four-letter acronym that stands for Multiplexed Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay. It refers to a highly sensitive technique used in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics to quantify specific molecules or biomarkers present in biological samples. MEIA is based on the principles of immunoassays, which utilize the specificity of antibodies to detect and measure analytes.
In a MEIA, a mixture of magnetic beads coated with specific antibodies is added to the biological sample. These antibodies selectively bind to the target analyte, forming an antibody-analyte complex. Following this, a second antibody labeled with a chemiluminescent compound is added. This second antibody binds to a different site on the analyte, resulting in the formation of a sandwich-like structure.
The chemiluminescent compound emits light upon oxidation, which is detected by a highly sensitive photomultiplier tube or a similar device. The intensity of the emitted light is directly proportional to the concentration of the target analyte in the sample, allowing for quantitative measurement.
MEIA offers several advantages over traditional immunoassays, such as high sensitivity, broad dynamic range, and ability to analyze multiple analytes simultaneously. It has found extensive applications in medical diagnosis, pharmaceutical research, and biomarker discovery. MEIA has revolutionized the field of clinical diagnostics by enabling accurate and rapid quantification of various disease biomarkers, aiding in the early detection, monitoring, and management of diseases.
