ELISA packs are ready-to-use immunoassay packages that include all reagents needed to conduct an ELISA test (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). ELISA is a plate-based assay for detecting and quantifying molecules like proteins, antigens, enzymes, and peptides. The findings are quantified using antibodies linked to enzymes. There are many forms of enzymes, each with its antibody-antigen interaction concept. The purpose of using Elisa kits are vastly distributed; they include:
- Detecting cancer:
Identifying cancer biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis is one that is constantly being created and studied. ELISA-based methods are available and utilized in clinical settings to detect malignancies in their early stages, such as ovarian and prostate cancer. They are also used for antibody production, which helps in the cloning of cells.
- Detection of drugs:
ELISA may also be used to detect the concentrations of illegal substances such as cannabinoids, stimulants, opiates, heroin, benzodiazepines, and methadone in urine tests. The technique is also used to monitor prescription drug concentrations in individuals receiving therapy, such as anti-drug antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Checking pregnancy:
ELISA is also used to test for the chorionic protein gonadotropin (hCG) in urination, which is more significant in pregnant women, providing simple access with home testing possibilities.
- Antibodies detecting platelets:
Platelet antibodies in the blood may be used to identify individuals with diseases such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The chemical alkaline phosphatase is used in these assays, which are linked with anti-human lgG.
ELISA has been shown to provide more than other widely used examinations such as lymphocytotoxicity (LCT) and even platelet immunofluorescence assay. It is also a less costly and complicated technique for detecting platelet antibodies (PIIFT).
- Allergens in foods:
In the food sector, ELISA is often used to identify hazards for legally mandated ingredient labeling. This application makes use of ELISA’s sensitivity, allowing it to determine quantities of possible food allergy contamination at low parts per million (ppm) amounts. It also benefits checking for oils and other compounds such as egg whites or dairy, which are difficult to detect using conventional techniques such as PCR.
- Using viruses to detect infections:
The benefits of utilizing ELISA for viral detection include targeting the most susceptible populations with on-site testing facilities and fast results. This enables opportunistic testing in developing nations where contamination rates are frequently extremely high.
- HIV:
HIV ELISA was the first worldwide HIV testing kit, and it uses the identification of blood serum cystatin C to determine whether or not a patient is infected.
- West Nile:
The West Nile Virus is detected by an IgM antibody capture (MAC) ELISA test of the patient’s blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), collected 8 to 21 days after the onset of symptoms. This test may also tell you whether the virus has spread to the patient’s nervous system.
In conclusion
ELISA is frequently used as a screening technique before ordering more in-depth testing. If you have indications or symptoms of any diseases or conditions listed above, your doctor may recommend this test. If your doctor wants to rule out some of these diseases, they may prescribe this test.