Alternative Immunoassays

Recent advances in biotechnology are changing the study and practice of diagnostic medicine, and have lead to a revival of interest in alternative immunoassays. This situation is mainly due to the advent of monoclonal antibodies, and the use of alternative labels to monitor the reactions. Many laboratory tests are now more efficient than in the past, and others can be carried out in extra-laboratory locations (e.g. the outpatient clinic, ward or home) thus making the subject of greater value to clinicians and practitioners. This book is a comprehensive review of the new concepts, developments and applications of alternative immunoassays written by experts in the field. Different assay systems are described using monoclonal, oligoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, in the context of alternative solid phases, end points (visual or quantitative) and instrumentation (for example, radioluminometry, spectrophotometry, chemiluminometry and time-resolved fluorometry).