Final answer:
Radioimmunoelectrophoresis is a laboratory method that combines electrophoresis with radioimmunoassay to identify and measure proteins in a sample with high sensitivity, important in cancer screening and other medical diagnostics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radioimmunoelectrophoresis is a sensitive laboratory technique that combines both electrophoresis and radioimmunoassay (RIA) to detect and quantify specific proteins in a sample. Built upon the foundation of nuclear physics applications in medicine, the RIA part of this method utilizes radioactive isotopes to attach to antibodies which in turn bind to antigens, allowing for their detection. This method revolutionized fields like endocrinology and made possible early detection of diseases through cancer screening or diagnosis of conditions like hepatitis.Immunoelectrophoresis (IEP), a related technique, involves protein electrophoresis followed by immunodiffusion. During IEP, antisera are introduced, and they form precipitin arcs with the proteins separated by electrophoresis, allowing for identification of specific proteins like abnormal immunoglobulins in the sample. RIA and IEP techniques are highly valuable in various clinical and research settings.