In chemiluminescent assays, what is the primary purpose of the light emitted?

In chemiluminescent assays, the primary purpose of the light emitted is indeed to indicate the presence of a specific analyte. These assays rely on a chemical reaction that produces light as a byproduct, which can be quantitatively measured. When an analyte of interest is present, it typically interacts with a substrate or reagent in the system, resulting in a luminescent signal. The intensity of this light correlates with the concentration of the analyte, allowing for the detection and measurement of substances in various biological samples.

This method is widely utilized in clinical laboratories due to its high sensitivity and specificity, making it particularly effective for detecting low levels of analytes that might be present in small volumes of sample. The light produced serves as a powerful indicator, enabling clinicians and researchers to infer the presence or absence of specific biochemical markers in the sample being tested.