ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is probably the most widely used biochemical method in laboratory analysis and diagnostics. Analytes such as peptides, proteins, antibodies and hormones can be detected selectively in low concentrations among a multitude of other substances and be quantified.
Additionally, ELISAs are rapid, sensitive, cost-effective and can be performed in a high-throughput manner.
ELISA is used in a variety of different assay types (e.g. direct ELISA, indirect ELISA, sandwich ELISA, competitive ELISA). Nevertheless, all ELISA variants are based on the same principle: the binding of one assay component – antigen or specific antibody – to a solid surface and the selective interaction between both assay components. Molecules not specifically interacting with the assay component bound to the solid surface are washed away during the assay.
For detection of the interaction the antibody or antigen is labelled or linked to an enzyme (direct ELISA). Alternatively, a secondary antibody conjugate can be used (indirect ELISA). The assay is processed by adding an enzymatic substrate to produce a measurable signal (colorimetric, fluorescent or luminescent). The strength of the signal indicates the quantity of analytes in the sample.
#webeatcorona – with our ELISA Microplates
Facts about our ELISA microplates in combination with corona antibody tests
What is the difference between corona virus test and antibody test?
While viral RNA, i.e. the genetic material of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, can be detected shortly after infection using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the immune system only forms antibodies against the virus after a few days or even weeks. Antibody-based tests offer the great advantage that an infection can be detected even if it is no longer active or the patient has had an asymptomatic course of the disease. The basis of the test is a blood sample, which can be taken either by the family doctor or in a mobile test station. The most reliable antibody-based detection currently available is the ELISA method.
How does a corona antibody test work?
ELISA tests are used to find out whether a person has been infected with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in the past. If there was a disease, this can be detected by the presence of specific antibodies that were formed as a result of the body's immune reaction against the virus. In 5 steps we explain what happens between the sampling and the final test result.
How does an ELISA test work?
To find out whether a person has been infected with the coronavirus in the past, the antibody-based ELISA method is used. The ELISA test consists of different steps:
What’s the function of an ELISA plate in the corona antibody test?
Currently, the most reliable antibody-based detection of a past corona infection is carried out using the immunological ELISA method. The starting point for the development and production of the test kits are the immunological microplates from Greiner Bio-One, in which the analysis of the blood samples is carried out. The microtiter plate is pre-treated with a special procedure so that virus components (viral antigens) adhere to it. The plate therefore serves not only as a simple reaction vessel, but also has a significant influence on the quality and thus the significance of the test.
What types of ELISA plates are available?
Greiner Bio-One offers various versions of the ELISA microplate, which are used for antibody tests. The products are available in two different surface qualities: High-binding products with a hydrophilic surface and the less hydrophilic medium-binding products. In addition to the standard 96-well microtiter plate, microtiter plates in strip format are also available, which provide greater flexibility as individual strips can be removed from the holding frame. Single-break strip plates even allow individual wells to be removed, so that the number of wells in the plate can be precisely matched to the number of samples.
Standard ELISA microplates
- 96 well format
- U / V/ F bottom in standard and chimney well format
- Half Area well design
- Clear / black / white
ELISA strip plates
- U8 / F8 strip plates
- F16 / U16 strip plates
- Clear / black / white
Single-break strip plates
- Individual subdivision, depending on the number of tests
- Breakable clear C8 strips
- With / without coloured well rims