What are Immunological Tests?
Immunological tests are essential tools in
toxicology, used to detect and quantify the presence of toxic substances, metabolites, and other biomarkers in biological samples. These tests leverage the specificity of antigen-antibody interactions to identify toxins with high precision.
ELISA: This is one of the most popular immunoassays used to detect the presence of specific antigens or antibodies in a sample. It is widely appreciated for its sensitivity and specificity.
RIA: Utilizes radioactive isotopes to detect antigens, providing high sensitivity but involving the complexities of handling radioactive materials.
Western Blot: Often used for protein detection, it can provide information on the molecular weight and is used to confirm ELISA results.
Immunofluorescence: Utilizes fluorescent-labeled antibodies to detect toxins, often used for localization of antigens in tissues or cells.
They offer
high sensitivity and specificity, making them ideal for detecting low concentrations of toxins.
These tests are generally quicker and less labor-intensive compared to traditional chemical analysis methods.
They can be adapted for high-throughput screening, which is advantageous for testing large numbers of samples.
The ability to tailor antibodies for specific toxins enhances the precision of toxicological analysis.
Potential for
cross-reactivity, where antibodies might bind to non-target substances, leading to false positives.
Development and validation of specific antibodies can be time-consuming and costly.
Quantitative accuracy can be affected by matrix effects, where other substances in the sample interfere with the test.
They often require confirmation with complementary analytical techniques for definitive identification.
