The separation of proteins on an electrophoretic gel for identification by immunological techniques
Definition from: GeneTests
from the University of Washington and Children's Health System, Seattle
Western blotting is a laboratory technique used to detect a specific protein in a blood or tissue sample. The method involves using gel electrophoresis to separate the sample's proteins. The separated proteins are transferred out of the gel to the surface of a membrane. The membrane is exposed to an antibody specific to the target protein. Binding of the antibody is detected using a radioactive or chemical tag. A western blot is sometimes used to diagnose disease.