Farr assay

Farr assay is a radioimmunoassay technique used to measure the concentration of antibodies in a sample. Named after its developer, Robert Farr, the Farr assay has been widely used in immunology and medical diagnostics since its inception in the 1960s.

History

The Farr assay was developed by Robert Farr, a British immunologist, in the 1960s. Farr's work was instrumental in advancing the field of immunology, and his assay technique has been used in a wide range of applications, from basic research to clinical diagnostics.

Methodology

The Farr assay is based on the principle of radioimmunoassay, a technique that uses radioactive isotopes to detect and measure substances in a sample. In the Farr assay, the substance of interest is an antibody. The assay involves mixing a sample with a known amount of radiolabeled antigen. The antibodies in the sample bind to the antigen, forming antigen-antibody complexes. These complexes are then separated from the unbound antigen and the radioactivity of the complexes is measured. The amount of radioactivity is directly proportional to the concentration of antibodies in the sample.

Applications

The Farr assay has been used in a wide range of applications. In medical diagnostics, it is used to measure the concentration of specific antibodies in a patient's blood, which can help in the diagnosis of various diseases. In immunology, it is used to study the immune response to various antigens. The Farr assay has also been used in vaccine development to measure the immune response to potential vaccines.

Limitations

While the Farr assay is a powerful tool, it does have some limitations. The use of radioactive isotopes raises safety and disposal concerns. In addition, the assay requires specialized equipment and trained personnel to perform, which can limit its use in some settings.

See also

• Radioimmunoassay
• Antibody
• Immunology
• Medical diagnostics