Features To Look For In ELISA Test Kits

By Annabelle Holman


To determine if antigens and antibodies exist in a specific sample you need a biochemistry procedure referred to as Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The procedure has been in use for many years in the field of pathology and medicine. ELISA test kits are used for allergies, diabetes, steroids, cancer, parasitology, thyroid, fertility, autoimmune diseases and infectious 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.

It is important to confirm that the detection and capture antibodies are making a good team. When using a sandwich assay it is important to ensure that the detection and capture antibodies are not competing for one binding site. They should be able to recognize various epitopes which are not overlapping. If there is any interferences then the results will be skewed. A sure way of avoiding this problem is buying an already matched pair. You will find many antibody suppliers who can help you out.

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.

It is also important to figure out what is in the blocking as well as the washing buffers. Sometimes they may contain compounds that are likely to alter interaction of the antibodies and the antigens. The final factor to consider is detection. There are several ways of detecting binding. You need to find a kit that utilizes detection that you prefer.

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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