The Elisa test (ɪˈliːzə) is a widely used diagnostic blood test. It is an acronym for "Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay," which refers to the biochemical process used to detect and measure specific proteins or antibodies in the blood. The proper spelling of "Elisa" is with a capital "E" and "s" at the end, not "ELISA" or "Eliza." Remember, proper spelling is essential for accurate communication in the medical field, especially in test names, where clarity is critical.
The ELISA test (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a laboratory technique used to detect and measure the presence of specific antibodies or antigens in a sample. This widely-used test plays a crucial role in diagnostic medicine, immunology research, and other fields.
In the ELISA test, a microplate is coated with a specific antigen or antibody that corresponds to the target substance being tested for. The sample, typically blood or serum, is then added to the plate. If the target substance is present in the sample, it binds to the antigen or antibody coated on the microwell. Next, an enzyme-linked secondary antibody or antigen is added, which binds to the target substance forming an immune complex.
After the immune complex is formed, a substrate solution containing an enzyme substrate specific to the enzyme attached to the secondary antibody or antigen is added. The enzyme reacts with the substrate, producing a measurable signal, such as a color change, which indicates the presence and quantity of the target substance in the sample. The intensity of the signal is directly proportional to the concentration of the target substance.
The ELISA test is highly specific and sensitive, allowing for accurate detection and quantification of various diseases, infections, allergies, and drug concentrations. It is extensively used in diagnosing viral infections, such as HIV, hepatitis, and COVID-19, identifying autoimmune diseases, detecting cancer biomarkers, and screening for food allergies, among many other applications.
The term "ELISA test" is an acronym derived from the full name of the testing method, which is "enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay". The acronym ELISA stands for the different components and processes involved in this laboratory technique:
1. Enzyme: Refers to an enzyme (commonly horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase) that is used in the assay.
2. Linked: Describes the physical linking that occurs between an antibody and the enzyme.
3. Immunological: Pertaining to immunology, which is the branch of science focusing on the immune system.
4. Sorbent: Refers to a solid material used to bind molecules, such as the antibody or antigen being tested.
5. Assay: Describes the process of analyzing a substance to determine its composition or concentration.