Analytical methods immunoassays

As is the case with every analytical method, immunoassay technology has limitations, including ... 

Consistent with other analytical methods, immunoassays must be validated to ensure that assay results are accurate. Initial validation involves an evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of the immunoassay, while later validation includes comparison with a reference method. Because a goal of immunoassays is to minimize sample preparation, validation also includes testing the effects of sample matrices and(or) sample cleanup methods on results. The final steps in validation involve testing a limited number of samples containing incurred residues to determine if the method provides reliable data. 

Turbidimetry and Nephelometry. In contrast to classical absorbance methods, immunoassay reactions frequently involve agglutination in which the optical scatter signal of the agglutinated particles is measured by turbidimetric or nephelometric means. The principles of light scattering as it relates to analytical methods is discussed in reference 6. 

Biopolymers are employed in many immunological techniques, including the analysis of food, clinical samples, pesticides, and in other areas of analytical chemistry. Immunoassays (qv) are specific, sensitive, relatively easy to perform, and usually inexpensive. For repetitive analyses, immunoassays compare very favorably with many conventional methods in terms of both sensitivity and limits of detection. 

Recent advances in analytical technology, immunoassay and other nonchromatographic methods... 

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