ELISA Applications
ELISA is a testing technique that identifies and examines the reaction between antigens and antibodies in a sample. The test has become commonplace in laboratories due to its high level of accuracy and minimal risks for the technician. This reliability is why ELISA is the chosen method for several screening tests.
Though there are many ELISA testing applications, the most common are:
- Cancer screening.
- Drug testing.
- Pregnancy testing.
- Allergy detection.
- Virus detection.
Tests that detect early stage cancers look for cancer biomarkers. This method is continually developed and researched. ELISA cancer screening checks for biomarkers that are an early indication of tumor development and sees use in detecting for breast, ovarian and other kinds of cancers.
ELISA testing can also examine urine samples to identify illegal and pharmaceutical drugs. It can detect concentrations of amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, opiates, methadone and cocaine. Additionally, ELISA can find antidrug antibodies in patients who have inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
ELISA tests for urine samples can also identify the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that indicates pregnancy when present in high levels.
The food industry is legally required to test their food for the presence of allergens, which they must identify on the label. ELISA testing for allergies can fill this need due to its sensitivity — it can find allergens as small as parts per million (ppm). Oils, milk and egg whites can all be detected by ELISA allergen identification, but not similar tests like polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
ELISA testing is beneficial for detecting viruses, especially in developing countries. In these locations, infection rates are high, and the test can be completed on-site with instant results. ELISA virus detection can reach these vulnerable populations at a convenient location, like an emergency medical center.
ELISA testing is useful for identifying many viruses, including:
- HIV: The test looks for human serum cystatin C, the presence of which indicates a positive result. ELISA was the first universal testing option for HIV.
- West Nile Virus: ELISA testing studies a sample of serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through IgM antibody-capture (MAC). The sample must be taken eight to 21 days after symptoms have appeared, and the test can also determine the rate of the spread through the central nervous system.
- Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV): NDV strains vary by severity, so ELISA testing monitors the spreading rate in a population to coordinate vaccination programs. It can also identify the flocks of birds that are infected with NDV.
Contact Dynex® Technologies to Learn More About ELISA Testing Applications
Dynex® Technologies has ELISA processing systems that automate every step of testing. Your laboratory can complete more tests in less time, resulting in savings for labor and costs. Our processing systems are carefully calibrated and made with premium components so you can trust in the accuracy of the results.
Browse our products online to order your automated machinery. For more information about the many ELISA testing applications, contact us online.