This chapter explains the technology and chemistry behind the PRISM^TM analyzer and reagents, designed for automated blood and plasma screening for infectious diseases. The immunoassays are based on a microparticle solid phase with a glass fiber membrane separation. Alkaline peroxidase is used as the enzyme label, the substrate is an acridinium derivative and the signal is chemiluminescence. Assay designs may be competitive or immunometric. The analyzer runs two- and three-step assay protocols, depending on the analyte. The features, designs and principles are explained. There are also sections on calibration, antibodies, separation, signal generation and detection, and data processing, including interfacing to laboratory information systems.

Dinesh O. Shah retired from Abbott Laboratories in 2013 as a Research Fellow in the prestigious Volwiler Society. Dinesh joined Abbott in 1992 after a distinguished 8-year career with Baxter International’s Pandex Division. Dinesh has made significant contributions to the development of many Abbott Diagnostics Division biological agents and immunoassays across multiple platforms, most notably PRISM and Architect. Dinesh has consistently been active in the national and international research community. He is the author or co-author of more than 155 scientific papers, abstracts and patents. He remains active in the national and international research community and is currently focused on development of novel microparticle processes.

James Stewart is currently Director Diagnostics Research in the Diagnostics Division of Abbott Laboratories in Abbott Park, IL. Jim has worked in the field of in vitro diagnostics product development for 27 years, serving in both R&D and technical operations roles. He has extensive experience in infectious disease diagnostics including assays for HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B and Chagas. Jim directed the program for the successful development and commercialization of Abbott’s PRISM technology used widely today in blood and plasma screening. He is currently focused on the advancement of next generation infectious disease immunoassays as well as new assay development in point-of-care technology. Prior to coming to Abbott, Jim received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of South Carolina.

PRISM^TM, infectious disease, blood screening, microparticle, glass fiber, chemiluminescence, acridinium, competitive, immunometric, calibration, antibodies, separation, signal generation, signal detection, Stat test.