ELISA

ELISA stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. It is a laboratory technique used to detect and quantify the presence of antibodies or antigens in a sample.

In an ELISA test, a sample is applied to a solid surface such as a plastic plate, and specific antibodies or antigens are added. If the sample contains the target antigen or antibody, it will bind to the added antibody or antigen. Then, an enzyme-linked secondary antibody is added which will bind to the primary antibody or antigen. The plate is washed to remove any unbound antibodies or antigens, and a substrate solution is added. The enzyme in the solution reacts with the substrate to produce a detectable signal, which can be quantified using a spectrophotometer.

ELISA tests are widely used in medical diagnosis, research, and quality control. They are used to detect infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria, to screen for diseases such as HIV or hepatitis, and to monitor the immune response to vaccines or therapies. ELISA tests can also be used to detect proteins or hormones in biological samples, making them valuable tools in the study of various diseases and conditions.