Mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) is a rapid method is used to detect and/ or quantify antigens and or antibody analytes. This method uses an analyte affinity (either through antigens or antibodies) isolation to extract  targeted molecules and internal standards from biological fluid in preparation for matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).  This method allows for "top down" and "bottom up"  analysis. This sensitive method allows for a new and improved process for detecting multiple antigens and antibodies in a single assay. This assay is also capable of distinguishing mass shifted forms of the same molecule via a panantibody, as well as distinguish point mutations in proteins. Each specific form is detected uniquely based on their characteristic molecular mass. MSIA has dual specificity because of the antibody-antigen reaction coupled with the power of a mass spectrometer.
There are various other immunoassy techniques that have been used previously such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA and ELISA). These techniques are extremely sensitive however, there are many limitations to these methods. For example, quantification for ELISA and EIA require several hours because the binding has to reach equilibrium. RIA's disadvantage is that you need radioactive particles which are universally known to be carcinogens.
The creation of MSIA fulfilled the need to determine the presence of one or more antigens in a specimen as well as the quantification of those said species.