Radioimmunoassay (RIA)

An immunologic (immunochemical) procedure that uses competitive inhibition between a radioisotope-labeled antigen or other substance and unlabeled antigen for antiserums, binding as a means to quantify the agent of interest; any method for detecting or quantitating antigens or antibodies using radiolabeled reactants. Minute quantities of enzymes, hormones, or other substances can be assayed.