What should I consider when choosing an immunoassay?

With so many different types and subtypes of immunoassays to choose from, deciding which one to use for your application can be challenging. These are some things to consider when choosing an immunoassay: 

• What sensitivity is required: Consider whether you need quantitative, semi-quantitative, or qualitative data
• Number and type of target analytes: What analytes do you need to measure and how many do you need to detect? 
• Analyte concentration: Lower concentrations need higher sensitivity to ensure detection. 
• Sample type: Are you working with cell culture media, plasma, serum, blood, or cell lysate? The immunoassay you choose must be compatible with your specific sample type.  
• Number of samples: If you need to assess hundreds or thousands of samples regularly, it’s important to select an immunoassay that can be scaled up to meet your needs. 
• What instruments you have access to: Your budget will play a key role in determining what instruments you have access to. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to choose immunoassays that only require standard plate readers for detection such as those that can utilize luminescence or fluorescence detection. 
• How quickly you need the results: Immunoassays vary considerably with regards to the time they take to complete. This could range from a couple of hours to a couple of days. However, in some cases, faster results may mean much higher costs. It’s advisable to assess the cost-benefit ratio to determine whether the extra cost is worth the time saved.