The ELISA test, or the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay test, involves selecting vast quantities of tissue or blood samples, then detecting and measuring antibodies within. Antigens, or harmful substances, enter a host, then the body creates proteins (antibodies) in response. These proteins are specific to certain antigens. The ELISA test can determine if a person has HIV, rotavirus, toxoplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme Disease, squamous cell carcinoma, varicella zoster virus, pernicious anemia, syphilis, and so on. It is likely a person has or has had one of these diseases if sufficient amounts of antibodies for the antigen are present. The ELISA test is usually used as a screening tool before more in-depth tests are performed. The procedure is done simply by extracting blood samples which are put into petri dishes containing a specific antigen being tested. If there are antibodies present for the antigens, then they will bind. An enzyme is added to show this binding (color of the petri dish changes) and determine how much of the antibody is present. The react occurs rather quickly, making the test rapid. There are times that a positive result signifies that the person does not have a condition. It is possible that false positives/negatives occur. Meaning one does not particularly have the disease, but it best to repeat the ELISA test or another test in a few short weeks (Kinman 2012).
Kinman ( 2012, July 19). ELISA. Retrieved from www.who.int/diagnostics_laboratory/faq/en/.
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ReplyDeleteThe ELISA test, or the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay test, involves selecting vast quantities of tissue or blood samples, then detecting and measuring antibodies within. Antigens, or harmful substances, enter a host, then the body creates proteins (antibodies) in response. These proteins are specific to certain antigens. The ELISA test can determine if a person has HIV, rotavirus, toxoplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme Disease, squamous cell carcinoma, varicella zoster virus, pernicious anemia, syphilis, and so on. It is likely a person has or has had one of these diseases if sufficient amounts of antibodies for the antigen are present. The ELISA test is usually used as a screening tool before more in-depth tests are performed. The procedure is done simply by extracting blood samples which are put into petri dishes containing a specific antigen being tested. If there are antibodies present for the antigens, then they will bind. An enzyme is added to show this binding (color of the petri dish changes) and determine how much of the antibody is present. The react occurs rather quickly, making the test rapid. There are times that a positive result signifies that the person does not have a condition. It is possible that false positives/negatives occur. Meaning one does not particularly have the disease, but it best to repeat the ELISA test or another test in a few short weeks (Kinman 2012).
ReplyDeleteKinman ( 2012, July 19). ELISA. Retrieved from www.who.int/diagnostics_laboratory/faq/en/.
hi Elisabeth, How long before results for an ELISA test come in?
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