What is an antibody? Discuss the advancements in the field of immuno diagnostics with suitable Examples.
In short
An antibody is an immune-system protein that specifically recognises and neutralises foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria, the specificity on which immunodiagnostics rests. Advances include ICMR-validated ELISA kits like NIV Pune's COVID-19 test made with Zydus Cadila, rapid lateral flow tests, engineered recombinant antibodies and immunobiosensors.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 269 words
ICMR’s Leadership
ICMR approved antibody kits detecting IgG and IgM antibodies, enabling large-scale surveillance and community screening, including in Telangana. This facilitated timely identification of infections and informed public health strategies.
Diagnostic Network Expansion
ICMR rapidly expanded the national network of testing laboratories, including key centers in Hyderabad, increasing RT-PCR and ELISA-based antibody testing capacity to meet pandemic demands.
Regulatory Protocols
ICMR mandated rigorous validation of antibody tests for sensitivity and specificity through multi-site trials, ensuring reliability and maintaining public trust in diagnostics3.
Indigenous Diagnostics Development
The National Biomedical Resource Indigenisation Consortium (NBRIC), supported by DBT and C-CAMP, developed ELISA-based antibody kits at NIV Pune, commercialized with Zydus Cadila, reinforcing the Make in India initiative.
Rapid and Engineered Tests
Lateral flow rapid tests and immunobiosensors using monoclonal and recombinant antibodies give quick, sensitive results outside large laboratories, improving disease surveillance in Telangana and other states.
Challenges and Integration
Antibody tests face issues like false positives due to cross-reactivity and supply chain constraints. These were mitigated through public-private partnerships and indigenous production, with immunodiagnostics integrated into the Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission4 (PM-ABHIM) to enhance outbreak response.
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Vaccines and immunity2 questions
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Most tested: Combination vaccines and applied immunology/diagnostics.
Question from the official TGPSC Group-I Mains 2016 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.