Assay Principles in CLinical Pathology

A wide range of analytic methods are currently employed in cLinical laboratory analyses. These range from simple one-step mix and measure colorimetric assays to more complex multistep assays that combine a separation and a detection method. Different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum have been exploited in analysis ranging from infrared (e.g., noninvasive blood oxygen measurement) to the ultraviolet (e.g., coupled enzyme assays based on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide measurement). Based on measurements in the electromagnetic spectrum, cLinically significant biomolecules, electrolytes, and therapeutic compounds can be identified and quantified. This article surveys the scope of analytic techniques used in modern-day cLinical laboratories.