Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) is a type of immunoassay that combines the principles of electrochemistry and chemiluminescence to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens in a sample.

Overview

The ECLIA process begins with the binding of an antigen or antibody to a specific luminescent label. This label is then excited by an electrical current, causing it to emit light. The intensity of this light is measured and used to determine the concentration of the antigen or antibody in the sample.

Principle

The principle of ECLIA is based on the reaction of an enzyme with a substrate to produce light. The enzyme is typically a luminescent label that is attached to an antigen or antibody. When an electrical current is applied, the enzyme reacts with the substrate to produce light. The intensity of this light is directly proportional to the amount of antigen or antibody in the sample.

Applications

ECLIA is widely used in clinical laboratories for the detection of various biomarkers, including hormones, proteins, and nucleic acids. It is also used in drug discovery and development, environmental monitoring, and food safety testing.

Advantages

ECLIA offers several advantages over traditional immunoassays. It is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for the detection of low levels of antigens or antibodies. It also has a wide dynamic range, meaning it can measure a large range of antigen or antibody concentrations. Additionally, ECLIA is faster and more cost-effective than many other immunoassay methods.

Limitations

Despite its advantages, ECLIA also has some limitations. The method requires specialized equipment and trained personnel to perform. It may also be affected by matrix effects, which can interfere with the accuracy of the results.

See Also

• Immunoassay
• Electrochemistry
• Chemiluminescence