In infrared immunoassay, organometallic markers containing metal-carbonyl moieties are employed in conjunction with FTIR spectroscopy as a detection method. These metal-carbonyl markers have characteristic and intense absorption bands in a region of the infrared spectrum (2200-1800 cm') that is devoid of other strong absorptions and can be detected at picomole levels. In addition, the ability to individually detect different metal-carbonyl markers in the presence of each other affords the possibility of determining multiple antigens in a single test. In the present work, we have undertaken the simplification and automation of the infrared immunoassay method in order to increase its potential utility for routine use. A solid-phase infrared iminimoassay test has been developed in which antibodies specific to the analytes of interest are adsorbed on the surface of an W-transparent membrane. In an alternative homogeneous immunoassay format, antigens are adsorbed on the surface of an internal reflection element (IRE), and the binding of these antigens to the corresponding antibodies in a solution placed in contact with the IRE is monitored by attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy. Competition between the adsorbed antigens and free antigens in the solution for the antibody binding sites then provides the basis for a homogeneous immunoassay.