What is ECL - in one sentence

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a lab method where a small voltage makes special labels on antibodies emit light, and the instrument measures that light to quantify the target in the sample.

Why labs like it

• Very sensitive and precise for low concentrations

• Wide measuring range, fewer dilutions

• Fast & stable reagents, reliable calibration on Elecsys/ECLIA platforms

How a Roche ECL immunoassay works

1. Sample mixes with antibodies (one carries a light-emitting ruthenium label; another is biotinylated).

2. The complex binds to magnetic particles (streptavidin).

3. A magnet holds the particles on the electrode.

4. Applying a small voltage triggers light emission from the label.

5. The detector reads the light—more light = more analyte.

6. The signal is compared to a calibration curve and reported.

Typical uses

Cardiac markers (troponin), thyroid/fertility hormones, tumor markers, infectious disease tests, vitamins, and many more Elecsys ECLIA assays.

Roche immunoassay analyzers that use ECL

• Elecsys 1010 / 2010 (benchtop) (That is very old models)

• MODULAR ANALYTICS E170 (legacy module)

• cobas® e 411 (standalone)

• cobas® e 601 / e 602 (cobas 6000/8000 families)

• cobas® e 402 / e 801 (compact & high-throughput on pro/8000)

Care tips (for best performance)

• Keep reagents within expiry and at recommended temperatures.

• Follow probe/reaction area cleaning cycles (IFU).

• Log error codes and QC trends; include photos when requesting help.

  

Need help?

If your cobas e / Elecsys analyzer throws errors, fails QC, or shows intermittent issues, we can help with board-level repair and guided troubleshooting.Ship-in service available across Florida. Include the model, error code, and photos when you contact us.