What is ELISA?
ELISA is a technique in which an antibody or antigen is detected
with the help of an enzyme linked to a matching antigen or
antibody. This test is done to look for either the antigen from an
infecting organism or abnormal substances present in some
diseases. The antibodies developed in response to some infection
or disease can also be detected by this test.
Why is the test done?
It is generally a preliminary test used to test for the presence
of either an antigen or an antibody in the blood. It is commonly
used to test for:
* Antigens or antibodies
* Immune system disorders
* Cancer markers
*Infections like hepatitis, AIDS/HIV, dengue, leptospirosis,
toxoplasmosis, herpes, rubella, and other viral, bacterial or
parasitic infections.
How is the test done?
The sample is taken to the laboratory and tested for the specific
antigen or antibody. Tests are usually done in a plate having
small wells (known as micro-wells), with each test being done in
one of the wells. The result is read in a special ELISA reader
that measures the intensity of light able to pass through the
solution in the well. The absorbance of the light correlates with
the degree of the result. Nowadays, some of these tests have been
modified and can be done on a paper membrane coated with the
antigen or antibody.
If the specific antigen or antibody being looked for is present in
the sample, the test develops a colour reaction indicating a
positive test result. Known positives and negatives are also
tested along with the samples for quality control.
What are the normal values?
Normal values depend on the type of substance the doctor is
screening for. In some cases a positive result may be normal, e.g.
testing for the immune status (looking for antibodies) after
vaccination against hepatitis B.
Abnormal values also depend on the type of substance being
screening for and the significance of the test. Some of these
tests may require to be tested by another technique for
confirmation. It is important to understand that looking for
antibodies is an indirect way of testing and has to be co-related
with every patient’s condition.
Preliminary test
Test Tube
Antibodies can be grown
in unlimited quantities in the bottles
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