Reduced background
Time-delayed detection can separate a long-lived signal from short-lived autofluorescence and scattered excitation light.
Technology overview
TR-FRET measurement, explained
Time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer is a homogeneous, plate-based approach for quantitative biomarker measurement.
How the signal is created
In a typical proximity-based assay, donor- and acceptor-labeled binding partners recognize a target. When the target brings those labels close together, excitation of the donor can transfer energy to the acceptor, producing a measurable fluorescence signal.
The instrument reads the signal after a short time delay. This time-resolved measurement helps reduce short-lived background fluorescence.
Important: This is a general technology explanation. Specific reagent formats, protocols, calibrators, instruments, and analytical performance vary.
General characteristics
Why laboratories use TR-FRET
Homogeneous workflow
Many TR-FRET formats are designed without wash steps, simplifying the sequence from reagent addition to plate reading.
Plate-based format
Microplate workflows can support multiple samples, calibrators, and controls within a structured laboratory process.
Reliable measurement still depends on the laboratory
- Appropriate instrumentation and settings
- Controlled sample collection, processing, and storage
- Calibrators, quality controls, and acceptance criteria
- Assessment of precision, analytical measuring range, interference, and other applicable characteristics
- Trained personnel, documentation, and ongoing quality monitoring
Institutional responsibility
Implementation belongs within the laboratory’s quality system
Each laboratory is responsible for determining the appropriate use of an assay and for meeting all applicable validation, quality, accreditation, institutional, and regulatory requirements.
Laboratory information