What is the History of Immunoassays?

Evolution of diagnostic tests began in the 1940s with colorimetric measurements of the enzymes and metabolites found in biological fluids using classical chemistry methods and agglutination reactions. In the 1950s, the radio-immunoassay (RIA) was developed by Rosalyn Yalow and Solomon Berson.  Tthis group was later awarded the Nobel prize in 1977 for developing an RIA to detect and measure blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. In the 1960s, immunoassay technology was enhanced by replacing radio-isotopes with enzymes for color generation. The use of enzymes eliminates the use of radioactive materials - and laboratory regulation by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). EIAs also have faster reaction times, higher specificity to the target molecule, and longer shelf-lives compared to RIAs.  

Although immunoassay techniques were first described in the 1950s, they were not readily applied outside of clinical laboratories until the advent of economical automated plate-reading systems and personal computers to analyze data. Within the past 10 years, EIAs have become increasingly popular. Scientists in fields outside of medicine are now finding EIAs to be a convenient tool that can be used on a daily basis to detect and monitor specific molecules during the processing of materials. Immunoassays make it possible for scientists to run tests in-house with a minimal investment of time and expense.


Although unskilled technicians can run immunoassays, the development of these tests requires knowledge in many areas of immunology (such as antibody specificity) and protein chemistry (such as binding interactions). As the typical scientist is a specialist in a very narrow field of study, he or she typically may not have the ability to make his or her own rugged tests.

Because Immunochemistry Technologies develops assays with the end-user in mind, we try to eliminate as many dilution, mixing, and measuring steps as possible.  Most of our reagents come ready-to-use and typically have a shelf life of 12 months.  The scientists at ImmunoChemistry Technologies have the knowledge to develop reliable, sensitive, and specific immunoassays. For more information, call ICT at 1-800-829-3194.