Inhibitor
Definition
A substance in the sample matrix that interferes with one or more steps in an immunoassay, reducing signal generation from a genuinely positive sample. Common forensic inhibitors include haem, melanin, indigo dye, and bile salts.
Related terms
- Confirmatory hierarchy
- The structured sequence of tests applied to biological evidence, in which a presumptive (screening) test with high sensitivity is followed by a...
- Cross-reactivity
- The capacity of an antibody raised against one analyte to bind structurally related compounds. In RIA, cross-reactivity is the main driver of...
- False negative
- A negative result from a preparation in which ante-mortem drowning actually did occur. Causes include low diatom density in the drowning water,...
- False positive
- A test result that indicates the presence of a target analyte when it is absent. In forensic serology this may mean incorrectly...
- Hook effect
- An artefact in sandwich immunoassays (ELISA, lateral-flow) where excess antigen saturates both capture and detection antibodies independently, preventing sandwich formation and producing...
Explained in
- Sources of Error and False Results in Serological TestingA substance in the sample matrix that interferes with one or more steps in an immunoassay, reducing signal generation from a genuinely positive sample. Common...