The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), also known as an enzyme immunoassay (EIA), is a widely employed biochemical technique in immunology for detecting the presence of antibodies or antigens in a sample. This method is a cornerstone in diagnostic applications within medicine and plant pathology, and it serves as a critical quality control measure in various industries, including the food sector.
In 1971, Eva Engvall and Peter Perlman independently invented a method that revolutionized medicine called the ELISA test.
An ELISA kit operates by attaching a capture antibody to a solid phase support. Samples containing known or unknown antigens are added in a matrix or buffer designed to minimize non-specific attachment to the solid phase. Subsequently, an enzyme-labeled antibody is introduced for detection.
The ELISA method is a benchmark for quantifying pathological antigens, with numerous variations tailored for different applications. ELISAs are well-suited for high-throughput screening due to their rapid, consistent, and easily analyzable results. The sandwich format, which utilizes highly purified, pre-matched capture and detector antibodies, yields the most reliable results. This approach generates a signal that is both highly sensitive and specific.
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What is being tested with an ELISA kit?
The ELISA technique is used in various medical tests, but your lab results won’t specify the “ELISA test” since it’s a technique with many variations.
ELISA is commonly used to detect and measure:
• Antibodies against infections: Bacterial (Lyme disease, syphilis), viral (HIV, hepatitis A, B, C), and fungal (candida). • Autoantibodies: In autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells.
Other uses of ELISA include:
• Detecting hormone levels (e.g., HCG, FSH, Testosterone). • Tracking disease outbreaks (e.g., Chlamydia, Influenza). • Screening blood donations for viruses like HIV. • Detecting nonmedical drug use (e.g., Amphetamines, Cocaine). • Measuring tumor markers (e.g., PSA for prostate cancer). • Identifying allergies (e.g., Dust, Food). • Confirming vaccination status (e.g., Mumps, Rubella).
Types of ELISA Kits
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