ELISA kits
Optimized, high-quality Invitrogen ELISA kits allow you to measure target-specific proteins with confidence, reliability, and consistency. A variety of ELISA kit formats are available including complete, ready-to-use kits as well as pre-optimized reagents to design your own. PCR-en-Elisa-kits and antibody pairs are available for a variety of different species, including human, mouse, rat, non-human primate, canine, porcine, bovine, equine, and feline. In addition to the ready-to-use ELISA formats, special services such as batch reservation, bulk packaging, and custom target development are available to provide flexibility and convenience when starting your next research project. Search for all available kits using the search bar above.
An introduction to ELISA
The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, also known as the acronym ELISA, was created in the 1970s. This common laboratory test measures the concentration of an analyte, usually antibodies or antigens, in a particular solution. Quantitative results can be detected with ELISA, which differentiates it from other tests of a similar type. The basic procedure for ELISA begins with a coating step. In this step, a polystyrene plate is covered with a solution that has antibodies or antigens on it. The liquid is then poured off and the plate washed.
Next, there is the blocking step. In this step, a protein-based solution unrelated to the first solution covers the unbound sites on the plate. Once again, the liquid is removed and the plate is washed. In the detection step, the enzyme-conjugated antigen or antibody binds to the target antigen or antibody. The plate is then drained and washed again. Finally, a substrate is placed on the plate and the signal given by the reaction of the enzyme and the substrate is measured.
There are four different types of ELISA tests:
- Direct: This method is the fastest and has fewer steps. It is also less error-prone.
- Indirect: This method has higher sensitivity and costs less since fewer labelled antibodies are required.
- Sandwich ELISA: With this method, there are more steps involved. However, the results are very specific.
- Competition or Inhibition ELISA: This method is generally used when only one antibody is available or when the analyte is small.
In addition to these different methods to perform ELISA, there are also different detection methods; direct and indirect. The results of an ELISA test can be quantitative, qualitative or semi-quantitative. The results are usually graphed to compare them with other results and arrive at a definitive result. Quantitative results are read in comparison to a standard curve.
Qualitative results simply give a yes or no as to whether or not an antigen is present. Semi-quantitative results are compared at relative levels. This test is one of the most sensitive immunoassay tests available today. The sensitivity will depend on the characteristics of the antigen-antibody reaction. To improve results, the lab may add a substrate, such as those that give an enhanced chemiluminescent or fluorescent signal.
ELISA kit protocol
Manuals for our ELISA kits are linked to our online data sheets or are available upon request. These documents include information on the principle of the assay, a complete list of the contents included in the kit, and a detailed protocol. The easy-to-follow protocol and detailed instructions are ideal for those with limited familiarity with ELISAs, as well as those who are very familiar with the technique but short on time. MSDS documents for our products are also available upon request. There are many ELISA kit companies and manufacturers offering a wide range of assays, but what makes our kits different is the quality components and reagents.
ELISA kit prices
MyBioSource is committed to providing high-quality ELISA kits at reasonable prices. The cost of our ELISA kits is comparable to other leading manufacturers such as Sigma and R&D Systems. Additionally, our kits are only assembled when an order is placed to ensure all reagents are fresh and extend shelf life for our customers. MyBioSource’s knowledgeable sales staff are always ready to answer any questions you may have. Our company is committed to providing efficient and friendly customer service. We hope to hear from you soon!