Hormones Diagnostic Development

The endocrine glands produce hormones, which are unique chemical messengers that are produced directly in the blood and then carried to the body's organs and tissues, where they perform their duties. They have a long-lasting, slow-acting effect on a variety of functions, including (i) growth and development; (ii) food metabolism; (iii) sexual function, reproductive growth, and health; (iv) cognitive performance; and (v) mood and thirst regulation. The pituitary, pineal, hypothalamus, thyroid, thymus, and adrenal glands, among others, as well as other endocrine ligands, all generate hormones. They cooperate to maintain the equilibrium of the hormones. The tiniest hormone deficit or excess can result in illness conditions, as can even a very small increase in hormone output.

Immunoassays are based on the highly specific molecular recognition of antibodies and antigens, enabling the sensitive detection of biomolecules. There are several commonly used immunoassays for hormone detection, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLISA), and lateral flow assay (LFA). Development of immunoassays involves three major steps, which are (i) preparation of antigens, (ii) animal immunization to get antibodies, and (iii) establishment and validation of immunoassay protocols. The antibody is a key substance in establishing immunoassay technology and obtaining high-quality antibodies is of utmost importance. Moreover, the establishment and validation of immunoassay protocol is a time-consuming, resource-intensive effort.