Definition

Noun: A laboratory technique used to detect and measure specific substances, such as proteins, antibodies, hormones, or pathogens, in a liquid sample. The assay relies on an enzymatic reaction that produces a detectable signal, often a color change, which is linked to the presence and quantity of the target substance.

Usage

This term is used in scientific and medical contexts to describe a specific, highly sensitive diagnostic test. * The enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay confirmed the presence of antibodies, indicating a past infection. * Researchers used an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay to quantify the viral antigen in the patient samples. * The diagnosis was made based on the results of an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in its abbreviated form, ELISA, which is far more common in everyday scientific language.
  • The lab will run an ELISA to test for the allergen.
• It can be modified to specify the type of substance being detected (e.g., , ).

Variants and Related Words

• ELISA (noun): The standard and most frequently used acronym for this assay.
• Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (noun): A broader category of assays that includes ELISA.
• Immunoassay (noun): A general term for any biochemical test that measures the concentration of a substance using an antibody-antigen reaction.

Synonyms

• Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)
• Immunoenzymatic assay

Related Phrases

• To run an ELISA: To perform the test.
  • The technician will run an ELISA on the serum sample.
• ELISA kit: A commercially packaged set of reagents and materials needed to perform the test.
  • The laboratory ordered new ELISA kits for hepatitis B testing.
• ELISA plate: The multi-well plate in which the assay is typically performed.
  • The samples were pipetted into the ELISA plate.

Noun

1. an assay that relies on an enzymatic conversion reaction and is used to detect the presence of specific substances (such as enzymes or viruses or antibodies or bacteria)