MIA involves the specific binding of an antibody to its antigen, where a magnetic label is conjugated to one element of the pair.
These anti-bodies directly bind to the desired pathogen or molecule and the magnetic signal given off the bound beads is read using a magnetometer.
Since MIA can be conducted in a liquid medium a more accurate measurement of desired molecules can be performed in the model system.
The most basic form of detection is to run a sample through a gravity column that contains a polyethylene matrix with the secondary anti-body.
The target compound binds to the antibody contained in the matrix, and any residual substances are washed out using a chosen buffer.
Various approaches and devices have been employed to achieve a meaningful signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for bio-sensing applications:[citation needed] But improving SNR often requires a complex instrument to provide repeated scanning and extrapolation through data processing, or precise alignment of target and sensor of miniature and matching size.
A case report of a 53-year-old[7][full citation needed] kidney transplant patient details how the doctors were able to alter the quantities of the therapeutic drug.