When selecting antibodies for Western blot (WB), you first need to confirm species compatibility. Prioritize primary antibodies validated for WB use, and distinguish between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies: monoclonal antibodies feature high specificity with few non-specific bands, while polyclonal antibodies target multiple epitopes and are suitable for detecting degraded proteins. Secondary antibodies must match the host species of the primary antibody; HRP-conjugated variants are commonly used. Meanwhile, verify validation data in product datasheets and avoid antibodies without supporting literature. Balance specificity and sensitivity to fit the subsequent chemiluminescence detection workflow.