Factors To Consider When Buying ELISA Test Kits

By Annabelle Holman


To figure out whether antibodies and antigens exist in a particular specimen you require a chemistry technique alluded to as Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The method has been used for a long time in the pharmaceuticals field. ELISA test kits are utilized for hypersensitivities, diabetes, steroids, tumor, parasitology, fertility, thyroid, immune system ailments and other maladies.

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 next feature you need to consider is the types of antibodies. You can utilize polyclonal antibodies as well as monoclonal antibodies in ELISAs. At times it is advisable to use a combination of both. There are several factors you need to consider when choosing antibodies. When you using a sandwich assay then you might want to try the polyclonal antibody for the capture process and the monoclonal ones for detection. By doing this you will able to capture all antigens and then utilize the antibodies that are monoclonal to detect specific 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.

An alternate component to consider is cross reactivity. In the event that antibodies on the creature are good this could result in cross reactivity. It is not difficult to get antibodies for the creature that you are concerned with. You ought to dependably note if the cross reactivity is a problem. If you choose the sandwich format it is vital to match the essential location antibodies with the auxiliary ones that are utilized for identification.

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.

All these features can be explained in details. If you have any questions you should address them to the company representatives. They have a lot of knowledge about the kits and which situations they are best used in. You can also read the technical specifications online.




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