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
Lab technicians use another test called a Western blot to confirm positive results.4
Inaccurate results may occur if you were tested during the window period.4
The window period is the time between your exposure to the virus and when your body produces enough antibodies for the test to detect.
—
Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 28 June 2025
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
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Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 28 June 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Western blot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Western%20blot. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Western blot
noun
West·ern blot
ˌwes-tərn-ˈblät 
: 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
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