Elements To Consider When Purchasing ELISA Test Kits

By Annabelle Holman


Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay is a procedure in biochemistry that is utilized to determine whether there are antibodies or antigens in a sample. For several years this procedure has been used as a tool for diagnosis in medicine and pathology. There are ELISA test kits that are meant to use for fertility, cancer, steroid, allergies, parasitology, diabetes, thyroid as well infectious and autoimmune diseases.

There are features that you should look for when buying ELISA kits. The first thing is the assay format. You need to ensure that you get the right format for your experiment. It is also important to ensure that you get the right container system. Normally ELISAs are done in 384 or 96 well plates but there are several other formats.

The sandwich assay is mainstream with numerous individuals preferring it. The main reason behind why it is alluded to as a sandwich is on account of there being an antigen which is between a pair of antibodies. This arrangement is favored in view of its robustness and sensitivity. In a few cases this configuration is not favored. On the off chance that you have a little antigen then you will think that it hard to append substantial antibodies on it.

The sort of antibodies you working with are likewise put into attention. In ELISAs you can utilize both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. There are cases that call for a consolidation of both. At the point when picking antibodies there are a few variables to place into consideration. For detection it is fitting to use monoclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies can be used for capturing. In the event that you take after this tip you ought to have the capacity to catch all antigens and afterward utilize monoclonal antibodies to distinguish some particular antigens.

You need to make sure that the capture and detection antibodies are matching. The two should not compete for the same site on the antigen. Instead they should recognize varying epitopes on the antigen. Your results will be skewed if you do not ensure there is no interference. There are ways of ensuring this does not happen. The most recommended way is to get a pair that is already matched from the supplier. You can use the internet to find antibody suppliers.

Another factor to consider is interference and cross reactivity. If antibodies on the animal are compatible this could cause cross reactivity. It is easy to get antibodies for the animal that you are working with. You should always note if the cross reactivity might cause any issues. When you are working with the sandwich format it is important to match the primary detection antibodies with the secondary ones that are used for detection.

You ought to figure out the washing and in addition the blocking buffers. Now and again you may discover compounds that will influence collaboration of the antibodies and antigens. You ought to consider detection method too. There are a couple of methods used for binding. Discover an pack that has the sort of detection method you would like.

If you want to know more about these features you can request details from representatives from the companies that sell the kits. They will be glad to inform you more about them and how to use them. The internet is also a source of information.




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