Receptor assays in the clinical laboratory.
OBJECTIVE
To review the relative advantages/disadvantages of receptor assays versus immunoassays.
The history of immunoassays is evaluated. Current shortcomings are emphasized. The present and future role of receptor assays is assessed.


CONCLUSIONS
The author predicts a shift away from immunoassays to receptor assays for certain analytes such as Vitamin B12, folic acid and drugs that undergo extensive metabolism.
Soldin
S J
SJ
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D004077:Digoxin / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D011869:Radioligand Assay; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000378:metabolism; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011955:Receptors, Drug; D004077:Digoxin; D016572:Cyclosporine; D016559:Tacrolimus