Radioimmunoassay (RIA) is a very sensitive in vitro assay technique used to measure concentrations of antigens (for example, hormone levels

in the blood) by use of antibodies. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) involves the separation of a protein (from a mixture) using the specificity of antibody - antigen binding and quantitation using radioactivity As such, it can be seen as the inverse of a radiobinding assay, which quantifies an antibody by use of corresponding antigens. Although the RIA technique is extremely sensitive and extremely specific, requiring specialized equipment, it remains the least expensive method to perform such tests. It requires special precautions and licensing, since radioactive substances are used. Today it has been supplanted by the ELISA method, where the antigen-antibody reaction is measured using colorimetric signals instead of a radioactive signal. However, because of its robustness, consistent results and low price per test , RIA methods are again becoming popular. It is generally more simple to perform than a bioassay. The RAST test (radioallergosorbent test) is an example of radioimmunoassay. It is used to detect the causative allergen for an allergy. The technique of radioimmunoassay has revolutionized research and clinical practice in many areas, e.g., blood banking diagnosis of allergies endocrinology

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