Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate concentration in plasma or serum (qualitative/quantitative immunoassay-based test for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reaction)
This test measures the amount of a chemical called tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) used in an ELISA test to detect specific antibodies or proteins in your blood. It helps confirm or quantify certain immune responses or biomarkers.
["TMB testing supports diagnosis or monitoring of conditions involving immune reactions or specific proteins in your bloodstream."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 62260-5
- Short code
- tetK+tetM Islt/Spm Ql
- Synonyms
- tetK+tetM Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
TMB is a colorless compound that changes color when it reacts with enzymes (like horseradish peroxidase) in an ELISA test. This reaction indicates the presence and concentration of the target analyte, such as antibodies or proteins, bound to the test surface. The test is often used as a secondary step to validate or quantify results from primary immunoassays.
How Is the Specimen Collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and sent to the lab. The test measures the chemical reaction in the plasma or serum portion of your blood.
Why Might You Need This Test?
This test is commonly used in research, clinical diagnostics, or quality control for immunoassays. It may be part of a broader panel to detect or monitor conditions like autoimmune diseases, infections, or cancer-related biomarkers.
Common Uses in Healthcare
TMB testing is frequently used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of immunoassays, ensuring accurate detection of analytes such as hormones, antigens, or antibodies. It helps validate laboratory results and improve diagnostic reliability.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
TMB Substrate Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What does a positive or abnormal TMB result mean?
Can TMB testing be done on other specimens besides blood?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy