A dot blot assay was used to compare the linear ranges of chemiluminescent and infrared fluorescent detection. Dilutions of mouse antibody were spotted as antigen, and detected with HRP- or infrared-labeled goat anti-mouse antibodies. Chemiluminescent data were collected using ECL substrate and a CCD camera with varying exposures; the infrared image was obtained in a single scan with the Odyssey system. For a 30 minute chemiluminescent exposure, the data set was linear over a 250-fold range. In contrast, infrared detection displayed a quantitative linear range greater than 4000-fold (3.6 orders of magnitude).

A paper detailing this study can be downloaded here.