How ELISA Kits Help Save Lives While Saving Money At The Same Time

By Jocelyn Davidson


In the medical field, new medicines, treatment methods and procedures are introduced at such a dazzling pace that even medical experts struggle to stay up to date. In the field of diagnostics many advances have also been made. If a disease can be diagnosed during its early stages it is easier to treat and the chances of success are much better. ELISA kits have proven to be a major breakthrough. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay enables diagnosticians to recognize certain conditions quickly.

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.

The EIA is deemed revolutionary because it is vital to be able to detect the presence of antibodies and antigens. When the body detects a harmful substance within the system it produces antibodies. The very fact that there are antibodies present means that there are harmful substances. These dangerous elements are called antigens. By identifying the type of antibody produced by the body, doctors can also determine the exact nature of the antigen that triggered the production of the antibodies.

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.

Diagnosticians can gain a wealth of information from the results of the EIA test. There are a number of different tests, however, each requiring a different kit. The more complex the test the more accurate and detailed the result. A simple test, such as the direct EIA test, produces fast results. The antigens are coated and the antibody will only recognize it if certain enzymes are present as well.

The indirect EIA test saves time and money because it is able to identify both secondary and primary antibodies during the same test cycle. Savings are achieved because the test often negates the need for other tests. In this case the antigens are coated with polystyrene and they can only be detected by the antibodies after two carefully manages stages.

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.




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