Which set of assays can be used to detect proteins?

• A. FISH, CISH, IHC
• B. Electrophoresis, agglutination assays, ELISA
• C. PCR, RT-PCR, NGS
• D. Hybrid Capture Assays, NGS

Answer: (B)

Detecting proteins relies on methods that identify the protein itself, often through antibodies or direct protein properties. Electrophoresis separates proteins by size so you can visualize presence and estimate amount. Agglutination assays detect proteins via specific antigen–antibody interactions that cause visible clumping, indicating the protein’s presence. ELISA uses antibodies to capture and quantify a specific protein, producing a measurable signal proportional to its amount. This combination directly targets protein molecules, making it the set that best fits protein detection.

In contrast, the other options mix techniques that target nucleic acids—such as DNA or RNA—with protein methods, or rely entirely on nucleic acid detection. FISH and CISH focus on nucleic acids inside cells, while PCR, RT-PCR, and NGS, or Hybrid Capture Assays, are nucleic-acid–based. These do not form a coherent set for detecting proteins.