| ELISA is the acronym for Enzyme- Linked | | | | kits is another selling point, in addition to the |
| Immuno Sorbent Assay, also known as EIA, and | | | | accurate results of this test. |
| represents the fastest and surest way of | | | | An amount of antigen is enclosed to the surface |
| diagnosing different infectious diseases in humans, | | | | of the plate and then specific antibodies are |
| animals and plants. ELISA kits are mostly used in | | | | washed over this surface in order to bind to the |
| immunology for detecting the presence of | | | | unknown antigen. Antibodies are linked to |
| antibodies or antigens in samples. The ELISA | | | | enzymes. In the final step of the test, a certain |
| test is very similar to the way in which an | | | | substance is added in order for the enzymes to |
| average pregnancy test works. | | | | be able to convert to a detectable signal. |
| ELISA kits can also be used in several industries | | | | Fluorogenic substrates are generally used, because |
| for quality control. For example, the food industry | | | | they produce a very strong visible signal. The |
| can easily use ELISA kits to detect potential food | | | | results of an ELISA test are reported as |
| allergens. Eggs, milk, peanuts or walnuts can be | | | | numbers. |
| easily detected in any food by simply using this | | | | ELISA kits have numerous uses. Besides |
| test. Moreover, this test can also be helpful in | | | | screening for HIV, detecting the presence of |
| toxicology. ELISA kits can be rapid screens for | | | | antigen or using this kit in food industries to |
| certain drugs. | | | | detect allergens, the ELISA kits are also |
| This test can evaluate the presence of both | | | | appropriate for monitoring the progress of |
| antigen and antibodies in any given sample. | | | | patients once they have started treatment. |
| Therefore, besides the more commercial use, the | | | | The sensitivity of an ELISA test can be |
| ELISA kits are commonly used for detecting HIV | | | | compared to experienced microscopic |
| or the West Nile Virus, as well as for detecting | | | | examinations, without having to observe intact |
| the presence of antigen. | | | | organisms. Although the performances of the |
| ELISA kits are very simple to use and the results | | | | ELISA test are significant, there are certain |
| are immediate. However, the ELISA test needs to | | | | limitations. If the test is nonreactive, you might still |
| be seconded by other tests in some cases. For | | | | be exposed to a pathogen, but in an early stage, |
| example if it tests positive for HIV, then it is | | | | where the exposure is difficult to determine. |
| ninety percent possible that the antibodies are | | | | However, the majority of tests based on |
| present in your body, but for one hundred | | | | detecting antibodies or antigen may prove to be |
| percent certainty other tests should be taken. | | | | unreliable during the early stage of exposure. Of all |
| ELISA kits also have another advantage to other | | | | these tests, the ELISA kit has proven to be the |
| tests available today. The price of such a test is | | | | most reliable, which is the reason why it is one of |
| lower than that of other similar products available | | | | the most used test kits in the world. |
| on the market today. The easy use of the ELISA | | | | |