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.

This revolutionary technique, also known as EIA, or enzyme immunoassay, is conducted in a laboratory. It is used to determine the concentration of antigens or antibodies in a specific sample. The presence and concentration of antibodies is an important indication of the presence of a variety of medical conditions. The test is extremely popular because it is easy to do and many different tests can be processed at the same time.

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.

Patients need not fear this simple test. It only entails the drawing of a small blood sample. This sample is then added to specific antigens in a petri dish. If there is a reaction between the blood sample and the antigen, then the presence of antibodies is confirmed. In fact, the antibodies will combine with the antigens. By adding enzymes it is possible to determine the amount of the antibodies in the sample.

Diagnosticians can get a lot of information form even the most basic EIA test. However, there are several versions or formats of the test and some are much more complex. The direct EIA, for example, requires that the antigen is screened with a multiwall coat. This makes it more difficult for the antibody to recognize the antigen. A result can only be obtained if the antibody is joined with a specific enzyme.

Then there is the indirect EIA test. In this case the antigen is covered with a polystyrene plate that can only be detected in two distinct stages. The main advantage of this format of the test is that it offers increased sensitivity. Both primary and secondary antibodies can be identified. This entails cost savings and it may even eliminate the need for further tests.

The sandwich EIA test needs pairs of antibodies that are matched in pairs. The first antibody is coated with polystyrene. A second antibody then serves as the detection agent. The purpose of this test is to determine the concentration of the analyte. This test is extremely useful in the diagnosis of latent diseases and it is deemed to be highly accurate.

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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