What are the differences between ELISA and CLIA (chemiluminescence)?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

ELISA

CLIA

Definition

Is an immunoassay that measures change in color

Is an immunoassay that measures light emission

Detection method

Uses an enzymatic reaction that produces a color change

Uses a chemiluminescent reaction that emits light

Substrate used

Uses chromogenic substrates such as TMB or ABTS

Uses luminescent substrates such as luminol or acridinium ester

Sensitivity

Is sensitive but comparatively lower than CLIA

Is an ultrasensitive test

Duration

Longer

Shorter

Complexity

Set up and optimization are less complex

Set up and optimization is more complex

Cost

More cost-effective

More expensive due to higher cost of equipment and reagents

Basis of differentiation	ELISA	CLIA
Definition	Is an immunoassay that measures change in color	Is an immunoassay that measures light emission
Detection method	Uses an enzymatic reaction that produces a color change	Uses a chemiluminescent reaction that emits light
Substrate used	Uses chromogenic substrates such as TMB or ABTS	Uses luminescent substrates such as luminol or acridinium ester
Sensitivity	Is sensitive but comparatively lower than CLIA	Is an ultrasensitive test
Duration	Longer	Shorter
Complexity	Set up and optimization are less complex	Set up and optimization is more complex
Cost	More cost-effective	More expensive due to higher cost of equipment and reagents