What is an ELISA kit?
ELISA kit are ready-to-use immunoassay kits that contain all the reagents needed to perform ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).
ELISA is a plate-based experiment designed to detect and quantify molecules such as proteins, antibodies, hormones, peptides, and sometimes small molecules such as vitamins and coenzymes.
ELISA kits use enzyme-linked antibodies to quantify the results.
- Performance validated. Final kit assembled and tested to ensure reliability and confidence.
- Fast Pre-coated plates allow you to use a protocol that is typically completed in 4 hours.
- Affordable Purchase reagents at a lower price point (2, 10 or 20 plates) for routine use.
- Flexible Reagents are provided to allow flexible use of antibodies for special needs.
How does the ELISA kit work?
ELISA kits have a key step, the immobilisation of the antigen of interest, which can be achieved by direct adsorption to the test plate or indirectly by a capture antibody that has been attached to the plate.
The antigen is then detected either directly (enzyme-labelled primary antibody) or indirectly (enzyme-labelled secondary antibody).
Detection antibodies are usually labelled with alkaline phosphatase (AP) or horseradish peroxidase (HRP). A large selection of substrates is available to perform the ELISA with an HRP or AP conjugate.
The choice of substrate depends on the required assay sensitivity and the instrumentation available for signal detection (spectrophotometer, fluorometer or luminometer).
Detection is achieved by measuring enzyme activity. One method is by incubation with TMB substrate, which can be detected by the light absorbance of the converted substrate at 450 nm.
Alternatively, the enzyme can catalyse a chemiluminescent substrate, triggering a strong luminescent reaction that can be quantified.
How many types of ELISA are there?
There are 2 types. The more common Sandwich Elisa with capture and detector antibodies or the direct ELISA where the antigen is bound in the 96-well plate. The standard curve will be inverted in the second case.
At what temperature should I store an ELISA kit?
All ELISA kits are stored at + 4 * C. However, the standard can be stored at minus 20 * C.
