The Many Benefits Of Using ELISA Kits As Part Of The Diagnostic Process

By Jocelyn Davidson


One cannot help but to stand in awe of the rapid progress made in the medical field. New techniques and medicines are introduced at an astonishing rate. Of course, one of the main fields of research is diagnostics. No one will argue the fact that an early diagnosis ensures a better prognosis and lower treatment costs. ELISA kits, an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, allow doctors to diagnose a variety of conditions quickly and efficiently.

The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, or EIA as it is known for short is performed in a laboratory. The test is easy to run and many tests can be performed at the same time. The purpose of the test is to measure the concentration of both antigens and antibodies in the blood sample. The ability to measure this concentration is a very important part of the diagnostic process.

Antibodies are protein substances that are produced by the body when it detects the presence of dangerous substances. The dangerous substances are called antigens. When antibodies are detected by means of the EIA test, it follows logically that there must be antigens too. The exact identity of the antigens can be determined by identifying the type of antibody in the sample. In this way a diagnosis can be made confidently.

The administration of the test is quick and painless. All that is required from the patient is a small blood sample. The sample is taken to a laboratory where it is added to a series of petri dishes that were prepared with different antigens. The antibodies can be identified when they react to specific antigens. The further reactions between the two agents are then studied by adding enzymes.

There are different forms of the EIA test, ranging from very simple to extremely complex. Different kits are used for the different forms of the test. With the direct EIA test, for example, the antigen is first covered with a multiwall plate. In this case the antibody in the blood sample will only react with the antigen if specific enzymes are added.

With the indirect EIA test polystyrene plate is used to cover the antigen. This allows the technician to process the test in two distinct stages before the antibody will be able to identify the antigen and react with it. During each stage it is possible to identify both primary and secondary antibodies. The benefit of this ability is that it saves money and time.

One of the most accurate tests is called the sandwich EIA test. In this test matched pairs of antibodies are utilized. One of the antibodies is coated with polystyrene and the other one is used as an agent for detection. One of the main advantages of this form of the test is that the concentration of analytes can be determined accurately. This can help in diagnosing latent diseases that cannot easily be done with other tests.

There can be little doubt that EIA test is an important tool that can help doctors to quickly and effectively diagnose a variety of diseases. The fact that the test even allow for the diagnosis of latent diseases means that many lives can be saved and treatment can be offered when there is still a good chance of success.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment