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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 importance of being able to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens cannot be overemphasized. Antibodies are proteins that the body produces when a harmful substance in the body is detected. These harmful substances are called antigens. By being able to identify the type of antibody produced by the body, physicians can accurately determine the type of harmful antigens that triggered the production of the antibodies.

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.

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.

The EIA sandwich test is considered to be suitable for complex samples, especially because the sample does not need to be purified prior to measurement. In this test antibodies are made up in pairs and compared with each other. The test is often done when both direct and indirect detection methods are required. It is an extremely accurate test and is done when serious diseases are suspected.

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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