Linearization of data for saturation-type competitive protein binding assay and radioimmunoassay

Most of the commonly-performed competitive protein-binding radioassay methods utilized in the clinical laboratory are based on the principle of saturation analysis. Although many different methods for linearization of saturation-type assays have been proposed, the algebraic equivalency of all of these methods has not been adequately documented. In this manuscript we have shown the physical and mathematical basis for various methods for linearlization of saturation type assays and the algebraic equivalency of these linearization methods. We have also shown that key parameters such as slope and intercept may be dependent on different components of the assays system with differnt linearization methods. An understanding of these key parameters can help the analyst to evaluate changes in these key parameters and to integrate these parameters in a complete quality control system.