Can you explain the ELISA test?

[w19910411]

Can you explain the ELISA test?

• Quote

Post by w19910411 » Wed May 13, 2015 2:40 am

Can you explain the ELISA test to detect the presence of HIV antibodies in a patient? How could it work?

[Steven2015]

• Quote

Post by Steven2015 » Wed May 13, 2015 2:46 am

The ELISA test follows these steps:

1. An ELISA plate is taken which has the HIV antigens adheered to the bottom and a patients blood is placed over the bottom of the plate.
2. If the patient has HIV anitgens in his/her body, they will "stick" to those on the plate.
3. The plate is "washed" so that only the HIV antigens are left.
4. A secondary antibody is placed on the plate which will "grab" onto the HIV antigens.
5. The plate is washed again.
6. A substrate is added that will bind to the secondary antibodies and will allow the scientist to view the antibodies under fluorescent light.

This will determine if the patient has HIV or not .

And an antigen is a molecule that stimulates an immune response. An antibody or immunoglobulin is a large Y-shaped protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. The antibody recognizes a specific target, which is called an antigen.
Reference for you: http://www.creative-diagnostics.com/Antigens.htm