Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, a plate-based technique that uses enzymes linked to antibodies to detect and quantify substances in samples. It produces a color change proportional to the amount of target molecule present.
Acronym developed in the 1970s from 'Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay,' describing each component: enzymes provide signal amplification, immunosorbent refers to antibody binding, and assay means measurement. The technique was independently developed by several labs seeking sensitive, quantitative immunoassays.
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