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 EIA test, as it is also known, is used to analyze a sample of blood in order to determine the concentration of antibodies and antigens. It would be very difficult to make an accurate diagnosis if the concentration of the antigens and antibodies cannot be determined. Doctors favor this test because it is relatively easy to perform and the results are available quickly.

When there are antibodies present in a blood sample it means that the body has produced them to counteract the effects of a harmful substance, called antigens. If there are antibodies present, it is certain that there are also antigens because the antibodies are only produced when a threat is detected. By identifying the specific type of antibody produced by the body it is also possible to determine the exact nature of the threat.

Patients experience no pain when the test is administered. A small quantity of blood is taken and then sent to a laboratory where a technician has already prepared a number of petri dishes, each containing a different antigen. The blood sample is then added to the dishes. If the antibodies in the blood samples react to any of the antigens they can be identified.

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.

The sandwich EIA test requires the antibodies to be matched in pairs. The first one is covered with polystyrene and the role of the second antibody is to act as a detection agent. The main purpose of this test is to find out what the concentration of the analyte is. It is an extremely accurate test and can be used to diagnose latent diseases.

Any test or procedure that can help physicians to diagnose a disease at an earlier stage can help save lives. The EIA test certainly enables the accurate and early diagnosis of a variety of conditions. This can help ensure that treatment programs are less invasive and that the prognosis is better.




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