In the context of testing for E. coli, what does EIA stand for?

In the context of testing for E. coli, EIA stands for Enzyme Immunoassay. This technique is widely used in clinical laboratories to detect specific antigens or antibodies in a sample based on the principle of antigen-antibody interactions. In the case of E. coli, the EIA can be employed to identify the presence of pathogenic strains by detecting specific bacterial antigens.

Enzyme Immunoassays utilize enzymes linked to antibodies or antigens, which enable a measurable signal that indicates the presence of the target in the sample. Typically, a substrate is added that reacts with the enzyme, producing a detectable product, often resulting in a color change that can be quantified. This makes EIAs a valuable method for diagnosing infections caused by E. coli, as they are sensitive, specific, and can be adapted for high-throughput testing.

Given this context, the choice of "Enzyme Immunoassay" accurately reflects a well-established laboratory technique appropriate for the detection of E. coli, highlighting its importance in microbiological diagnostics.