Medical science advances at an astonishing pace on all fronts. The area of diagnostics is one particular field where great efforts are made to devise tests and procedures that can help doctors to diagnose diseases quicker and more accurately. This is important because successful treatment often depends upon an early diagnosis. ELISA kits, for example, have empowered doctors to efficiently detect a wide range of diseases.
Also known as enzyme immunoassay, or EIA for short, this laboratory technique is used to measure the concentration of antibodies or antigens in a solution, normally a blood sample. The ability to determine these concentrations is extremely important in the diagnostic process. Among the main advantages of this technique, when compared with others, is that it is very easy to carry out and a large number of tests can be processed simultaneously.
The importance of being able to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens cannot be overemphasized. Antibodies are proteins that the body produces when a harmful substance in the body is detected. These harmful substances are called antigens. By being able to identify the type of antibody produced by the body, physicians can accurately determine the type of harmful antigens that triggered the production of the antibodies.
There is no need to stress about this type of test. Patients are required to provide a small blood sample. This sample is then added to a petri dish that contains antigens typical to the condition for which the patient is tested. If the blood sample combines with the antigen, antibodies are present and this confirms the diagnosis. The amount of antibodies is determined by carefully adding enzymes to the sample.
The EIA test provides a wealth of information, even when administered in its simplest form. However, more complex techniques can provide even better results. Different formats, or kits, are used for the different forms of the test. For example, in the direct EIA test the antigen is coated with a multiwall plate. The antibody can only detect it if the latter has been conjugated with an enzyme.
The indirect IEA test is another example of how this protocol can be used in an advanced manner. In this instance the antigen is actually covered by a polystyrene plate. This forces the antibodies to go through two distinct stages before the antigen is detected. This test allows technicians to identify both primary and secondary antibodies. This is valuable because it may eliminate the need for further expensive tests.
In the case of yet another type of EIA test, the sandwich test, pairs of antibodies are tested. The first antibody is covered with a polystyrene plate. The next antibody is then added in order to determine the concentration of the analyte. This is a complicated procedure but it is extremely accurate and flexible.
Nobody will deny the fact that one of the most important components of medical treatment is the ability to diagnose diseases. The earlier it is done the easier it is to treat and the better the prognosis will be. EIA offers hope to patients and it enables physicians to offer better chances.
Also known as enzyme immunoassay, or EIA for short, this laboratory technique is used to measure the concentration of antibodies or antigens in a solution, normally a blood sample. The ability to determine these concentrations is extremely important in the diagnostic process. Among the main advantages of this technique, when compared with others, is that it is very easy to carry out and a large number of tests can be processed simultaneously.
The importance of being able to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens cannot be overemphasized. Antibodies are proteins that the body produces when a harmful substance in the body is detected. These harmful substances are called antigens. By being able to identify the type of antibody produced by the body, physicians can accurately determine the type of harmful antigens that triggered the production of the antibodies.
There is no need to stress about this type of test. Patients are required to provide a small blood sample. This sample is then added to a petri dish that contains antigens typical to the condition for which the patient is tested. If the blood sample combines with the antigen, antibodies are present and this confirms the diagnosis. The amount of antibodies is determined by carefully adding enzymes to the sample.
The EIA test provides a wealth of information, even when administered in its simplest form. However, more complex techniques can provide even better results. Different formats, or kits, are used for the different forms of the test. For example, in the direct EIA test the antigen is coated with a multiwall plate. The antibody can only detect it if the latter has been conjugated with an enzyme.
The indirect IEA test is another example of how this protocol can be used in an advanced manner. In this instance the antigen is actually covered by a polystyrene plate. This forces the antibodies to go through two distinct stages before the antigen is detected. This test allows technicians to identify both primary and secondary antibodies. This is valuable because it may eliminate the need for further expensive tests.
In the case of yet another type of EIA test, the sandwich test, pairs of antibodies are tested. The first antibody is covered with a polystyrene plate. The next antibody is then added in order to determine the concentration of the analyte. This is a complicated procedure but it is extremely accurate and flexible.
Nobody will deny the fact that one of the most important components of medical treatment is the ability to diagnose diseases. The earlier it is done the easier it is to treat and the better the prognosis will be. EIA offers hope to patients and it enables physicians to offer better chances.
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