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Bioassays

Meaning

Bioassays are analytical methods used to determine the concentration or potency of a substance, such as a hormone or drug, by measuring its effect on living cells, tissues, or whole organisms. These tests are critical in endocrinology for assessing the biological activity of hormones, distinguishing between active and inactive forms, and evaluating the cumulative effect of multiple compounds. Unlike purely chemical assays, bioassays provide a functional measure of a compound’s effect on a biological system. Their use is paramount for understanding functional hormone status.