With ELISA Kits Doctors Are Better Able To Diagnose Serious Diseases Early

By Harriet Porter


One of the most important fields of study in medical science is to develop new and improved ways in which to diagnose diseases. The earlier a disease can be diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Early diagnosis also improves the prognosis. This is why so many scientists concentrate upon the development of new and more efficient tests. One such test that has proven to be invaluable is the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. With ELISA kits doctors can now diagnose various conditions easily and efficiently.

EIA, as this technique is also known, is an extremely popular test. This is because it is so easy to carry out and as an added bonus large numbers of tests can be done at the same time. The purpose of the test is to find out what concentration of antigens or antibodies exists in a specific sample. Antigen and antibody concentrations are very important indicators in the diagnostic process.

The ability to identify the presence of either antibodies or antigens in the body is very important. This is because antigens are known to be harmful substances. As soon as the body recognizes the presence of antigens, it starts to produce antibodies to neutralize the harmful antigens. When either of these agents is present in a sample, the existence of a disease can be deduced logically.

There is no need to stress about this type of test. Patients are required to provide a small blood sample. This sample is then added to a petri dish that contains antigens typical to the condition for which the patient is tested. If the blood sample combines with the antigen, antibodies are present and this confirms the diagnosis. The amount of antibodies is determined by carefully adding enzymes to the sample.

The EIA test provides a wealth of information, even when administered in its simplest form. However, more complex techniques can provide even better results. Different formats, or kits, are used for the different forms of the test. For example, in the direct EIA test the antigen is coated with a multiwall plate. The antibody can only detect it if the latter has been conjugated with an enzyme.

Another important variant of EIA is the indirect test. In this case two stages are engineered by covering the antigens in polystyrene plates. This is done to achieve increased sensitivity. Antibodies are introduced in primary and secondary stages. The test can produce multiple results which means that is saves cost and time. In many cases this test, which is more elaborate, eliminate the need for more tests.

In the case of yet another type of EIA test, the sandwich test, pairs of antibodies are tested. The first antibody is covered with a polystyrene plate. The next antibody is then added in order to determine the concentration of the analyte. This is a complicated procedure but it is extremely accurate and flexible.

Nobody will deny the fact that one of the most important components of medical treatment is the ability to diagnose diseases. The earlier it is done the easier it is to treat and the better the prognosis will be. EIA offers hope to patients and it enables physicians to offer better chances.




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