Homonym: Assay (Test)
An assay is a scientific procedure used to determine the presence, amount, or activity of a substance in a sample. This process is commonly used in fields like chemistry, biology, and medicine to analyze materials such as blood, soil, or drugs. Assays can help identify the composition of a sample and assess its quality or effectiveness.
There are various types of assays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Each type has specific applications and methods, allowing researchers and professionals to gather important data for diagnostics, research, and quality control.