Western blot

noun

: a blot consisting of a sheet of nitrocellulose or nylon that contains spots of protein for identification by a suitable molecular probe and is used especially for the detection of antibodies
Western blotting noun

Examples of Western blot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The other major type of antibody test in the early 1990s was the Western blot, which detects antibodies against a set of different Borrelia proteins. Carrie Arnold, Popular Science, 28 June 2020 If positive, then a confirmatory Western blot test should be performed. BostonGlobe.com, 3 June 2022 Positive antibody tests are confirmed with a Western blot test, which is very specific. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 15 Nov. 2021 In my case, the Western blot test showed a positive result for immunoglobulin M (IgM), which is designed to identify infection for up to 30 days after a tick bite, and a negative test result for immunoglobulin G (IgG), the part that measures longer-term infection. Kate Fridkis, SELF, 14 Apr. 2021 The Western blot is specific, such that people without Lyme reliably test negative, but not very sensitive. Carrie Arnold, Popular Science, 28 June 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Western blot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

after Southern blot

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Western blot was in 1981

Dictionary Entries Near Western blot

Cite this Entry

“Western blot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Western%20blot. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

Western blot

noun
West·​ern blot ˌwes-tərn-ˈblät How to pronounce Western blot (audio)
: a blot consisting of a sheet of cellulose nitrate or nylon that contains spots of protein for identification by a suitable molecular probe and is used especially for the detection of antibodies compare northern blot, southern blot
Western blotting noun
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