Enzyme immunoassay as an analytical tool in clinical chemistry

Abstract

Immunoassay is a technique used extensively in clinical chemistry. It is a useful technique which in its most popular form of Radioimmunoassay (RIA) uses radioactive labels. As an alternative to RIA Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) offers the advantages of the antigen-antibody reaction without the drawbacks of using a radio label. In the work presented, ELISA was investigated as an alternative to RIA for the measurement of TSH in patients suspected of having thyroid disease. The development, performance and assessment of the assay are presented. To further develop the technique, an assay for estimating albumin in the urine of diabetic patients was developed. Again the performance and assessment are presented. The method was then used to quantitate the albumin excretion in a selected group of non-insulin dependent Type II diabetics.