Radioimmunoassay is an immunoassay technique that uses radiolabeled antigens or antibodies to detect and quantify antigens or antibodies in a sample. It involves competitive binding between the radiolabeled and unlabeled antigens or antibodies. The amount of radiolabeled antigen or antibody bound is inversely proportional to the concentration of the unlabeled antigen or antibody in the sample. RIA is highly sensitive and specific due to the immune reaction between antigens and antibodies. It has applications in endocrinology, pharmacology, oncology, and epidemiology to detect hormones, vitamins, drugs, and infectious disease markers.