Which test can be modified to selectively detect specific IgM antibodies?

The ability to selectively detect specific IgM antibodies using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is a result of the assay's design, which allows for the incorporation of specific antigens or antibodies that can selectively bind to IgM. The EIA utilizes enzyme-linked antibodies that react with a substrate to produce a measurable signal, such as color change. By designing the assay to include specific IgM-targeting antibodies, it is possible to isolate and quantify IgM responses to particular pathogens, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing infections, particularly during the early stages where IgM is typically produced.

In contrast, while Western blotting, radioimmunoassays, and complement fixation tests are valuable immunological techniques, they do not provide the same selective focus on IgM as enzyme immunoassays. Western blotting is primarily used for protein detection and identification rather than specific antibody quantification. Radioimmunoassays, although sensitive in detecting various antibodies, are generally not as commonly used for selective IgM detection in contemporary labs. The complement fixation test is a historical method often used for detecting specific antibodies but is less favored in modern diagnostics for straightforward IgM detection due to its complexity and the availability of more efficient techniques like EIA.