CROSS POINT CARE
WHAT IS ELISA?
ELISA, or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, is a laboratory technique used to detect and quantify specific proteins, antibodies, or antigens in a sample. It utilizes antibodies and enzymes to produce a measurable signal, typically a color change, indicating the presence or concentration of the target molecule. This highly sensitive and specific assay is widely employed in medical diagnostics, biomedical research, and pharmaceutical development. ELISA assays can be performed in various formats, including direct, indirect, sandwich, or competitive, allowing for versatility in detecting a wide range of biomolecules with precision and reliability.
TYPE OF ELISA?
Direct ELISA: Directly detects the target antigen using a labeled primary antibody that binds directly to the antigen.
Indirect ELISA: Utilizes a primary antibody that binds to the target antigen, followed by a labeled secondary antibody that binds to the primary antibody, amplifying the signal.
Sandwich ELISA: Involves the capture of the target antigen between two specific antibodies—an immobilized capture antibody and a labeled detection antibody.
Competitive ELISA: Measures the competition between the target antigen in the sample and a labeled antigen for binding to a limited number of immobilized antibodies.
Each type of ELISA has its advantages and is chosen based on factors such as sensitivity, specificity, and the nature of the target molecule.