An antibody-based assay that detects and quantifies proteins or antibodies in samples.
Antigen or antibody immobilised on a plate; detection with enzyme-linked antibody and substrate gives colour. Sandwich ELISA is highly specific. Used for HIV testing and hormone assays.
ELISA is quantitative with a standard curve. Washing steps remove unbound reagents. Controls detect nonspecific binding.
Example: it is used to detect HIV antibodies.
An antibody-based assay that detects and quantifies proteins or antibodies in samples.
ELISA is one of the 51 topics in Lab Methods & Biostatistics. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Immunofluorescence, Colorimetry, FRET.
Home pregnancy tests use similar lateral flow principles.
Work through the Beginner topics in Lab Methods & Biostatistics first, such as Scientific Method, Hypothesis, Variables, then return to ELISA. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to ELISA are Immunofluorescence, Colorimetry, FRET, Mass Spectrometry. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for ELISA. To practise the whole of Lab Methods & Biostatistics, use the Lab Methods & Biostatistics quiz.
ELISA: An antibody-based assay that detects and quantifies proteins or antibodies in samples. Immunofluorescence: Fluorescent-labelled antibodies reveal the location of proteins in cells and tissues. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Immunofluorescence and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Lab Methods & Biostatistics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Fluorescent-labelled antibodies reveal the location of proteins in cells and tissues.
📊 Lab Methods & BiostatisticsMeasures the colour intensity of a solution to estimate concentration.
📊 Lab Methods & BiostatisticsEnergy transfer between two fluorophores reports on molecular distances and interactions.
📊 Lab Methods & BiostatisticsMeasures mass-to-charge ratios to identify and quantify proteins and metabolites.
📊 Lab Methods & Biostatistics