Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) /ɪˈlaɪzə/ is a popular method of testing for the presence of a specific antigen or antibody in a sample.
Etymology
The term "Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay" is derived from its method of detection, which involves an enzyme that is linked to an immunoglobulin (antibody) and a substance (the sorbent) to which the antibody binds.
Procedure
The ELISA procedure involves several steps. First, the sample is added to a well in a microtiter plate, which has been coated with a capture antibody. If the target antigen is present in the sample, it will bind to the capture antibody. Next, a detection antibody is added, which binds to a different site on the antigen. This detection antibody is linked to an enzyme. Finally, a substrate is added, which the enzyme acts upon to produce a color change. The intensity of this color change is proportional to the amount of antigen in the sample.
Types of ELISA
There are several types of ELISA, including direct, indirect, sandwich, and competitive ELISA. Each type has its own specific applications and advantages.
Applications
ELISA is used in many areas of biomedical research and clinical diagnostics, including infectious disease testing, allergy testing, and autoimmune disease testing.
Related Terms
- Antigen
- Antibody
- Enzyme
- Immunoglobulin
- Microtiter plate
- Biomedical research
- Clinical diagnostics
- Infectious disease
- Allergy testing
- Autoimmune disease
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