Analytical methodology for immunoassays and DNA hybridization assays--current status and selected systems--critical review.

Immunoassay is an established technique which has contributed enormously to biomedical analysis. DNA hybridization (DNA probing) methodology is emerging as the most promising new discipline of laboratory medicine with potential applications in areas such as genetics, pathology, microbiology and oncology. In this review, immunoassay and DNA probing methodologies are considered together because of their many similarities in assay design and labeling systems. Selected labeling systems are described in this paper in order to stress strategies, general principles and future trends. Special attention has been given to systems that introduce linear or exponential amplification. In the author's view, such systems will dominate in future applications. It is anticipated that during the next decade, immunoassay and DNA probing assays will be carried out on completely automated systems.