In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) stands as a groundbreaking frontier in modern healthcare, facilitating the precise and timely detection, management, and monitoring of diseases. At the core of IVD advancements lies recombinant proteins and antibodies, which have completely transformed diagnostic accuracy and specificity. Recombinant technology enables the creation of exceptionally pure and consistent proteins and antibodies, devoid of the variations and impurities typically encountered in native extractions. These recombinant proteins and antibodies empower IVD tests with unmatched sensitivity, rendering them indispensable tools in the diagnostic field.
With the increasing demand for fast, dependable, and consistent diagnostics, the utilization of recombinant proteins and antibodies has expanded across a range of applications. Some common uses are as follows:
Common Uses of Recombinant Proteins & Antibodies
- Immunoassays: Antibodies are commonly used in immunoassays, including lateral flow assays, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). These tests help identify and measure target analytes, such as proteins, antibodies, or antigens.
- Point-of-Care Testing (POCT): POCT devices use proteins and antibodies for quick, on-site diagnostic testing. These tests are intended to yield instant results, allowing healthcare professionals to act fast in urgent situations with limited resources.
- Disease Screening and Diagnosis: Proteins are often used in screening tests for early diagnosis of diseases, such as cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. These tests support the detection of a specific condition or help identify patients at risk.
- Companion Diagnostics: These tests are often used alongside therapies to identify patients likely to respond to a particular treatment or monitor treatment effectiveness.
- Quality Control and Standardization: In manufacturing IVDs, proteins and antibodies are crucial for QC. To ensure the accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of diagnostic tests across batches and labs, proteins and antibodies are employed as reference materials, calibrators, and controls.
- Therapeutic Monitoring: Proteins and antibodies are often used in therapeutic intervention monitoring, including medication-level monitoring, treatment-response evaluation, and illness progression or remission evaluation. These tests help optimize therapy and adjust dosages.
- Detection of Biomarkers: Antibodies and proteins can be used to find biomarkers in patient samples (e.g., blood) to diagnose and monitor diseases. Some of these biomarkers include proteins, hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and genetic markers.