Radioimmunosorbent Tests, also known as RAST, are blood tests used to diagnose allergies. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Rā-dē-ō-ĭm-yū-nō-sôr-bent Těsts" is spelled with three syllables and pronounced as /ˈreɪdiəʊˌɪmjʊnəʊˈsɔːbənt tɛsts/. The stress falls on the second syllable, "di", with long vowel sound "ē" and schwa sound "ə" followed by a mid vowel "o". The final syllable is pronounced with the stressed "ɔː" sound, followed by the short "e" and "s" sound.
Radioimmunosorbent tests (RISTs) are laboratory diagnostic procedures that utilize radioisotopes and immunological reactions to detect and measure the presence of specific antigens or antibodies in a patient's blood sample. Specifically, RIST is used to identify immune responses to certain substances, such as allergens or autoimmune markers.
In a radioimmunosorbent test, a radioactive isotope is attached to an antigen or antibody, creating a radiolabeled molecule. This molecule is then mixed with the patient's blood sample, and if there is a specific antigen or antibody present, an immune reaction occurs. The reaction results in the formation of antigen-antibody complexes. These complexes are captured by an immunoabsorbent material, such as beads or membranes, immobilized in a test tube or microplate.
Following the incubation period, the test tube or microplate is washed to remove any unbound components. The radiolabeled complexes that remain attached to the immunoabsorbent material are then detected and quantified using a radioactivity detector, such as a scintillation counter. The amount of radioactivity measured is proportional to the concentration of the specific antigen or antibody in the patient's blood sample, allowing for the determination of the immune response magnitude.
Radioimmunosorbent tests are highly sensitive and specific, enabling the detection and measurement of small amounts of antigens or antibodies. They are widely used in clinical laboratories to diagnose allergies, detect autoimmune diseases, and monitor the progress of certain treatments. However, due to the potential hazards associated with radioisotopes, strict safety protocols are followed during their handling and disposal.
The word "Radioimmunosorbent Tests" is a combination of several root words.
1. "Radio" refers to radiation or the use of radiotherapy. In this context, it indicates that the test involves the use of radioactive elements.
2. "Immuno-" is a prefix derived from the word "immune", which relates to the immune system. This prefix suggests that the test involves the immune response or uses antibodies in its methodology.
3. "Sorbent" refers to a substance that has the ability to adsorb or soak up other substances. In this case, it implies that the test involves a substance capable of adsorbing specific antigens or antibodies.
4. "Tests" simply signifies that it is a diagnostic procedure or analysis performed to determine a particular condition or presence of a substance.