Application of ELISA detection

As an efficient, sensitive and highly specific detection method, ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) detection technology has been widely used in many fields. It can accurately detect and quantify various biological molecules by leveraging a specific binding reaction between the antibody and the antigen. Here are some of the core applications:

ELISA detection

1. Diagnosis of infectious diseasesELISA testing is highly favored in the field of diagnosis. It can be used to detect the pathogen itself, as well as to detect the antibody response produced by the host due to infection, depending on the detection method selected. Therefore, ELISA has irreplaceable value in identifying potential sources of infection or patients in need of treatment, and in epidemiological surveillance that have been infected and recovered. In some cases of chronic infection, especially when the pathogen load fluctuates, relying solely on pathogen testing may not be able to accurately diagnose. However, the persistent antibody response, even if the pathogen itself is difficult to detect, can still effectively assist in identifying such patients and ensure accurate diagnosis. The first ELISA detection method for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was developed in 1985. This method is used to diagnose cystatin C in human serum. In addition, ELISA testing can also be used to diagnose a variety of human and animal diseases, including dengue fever, hepatitis B, SARS-CoV-2, Streptococcus martian infection and E. coli. For example, lipoarabinomannan (LAM) ELISA test is a test method specifically designed to detect LAM antigens in the urine of patients with tuberculosis. Given the global epidemic of tuberculosis and its high mortality rate, this detection technology plays an important role in the diagnosis of alternative tuberculosis. However, the sensitivity and clinical utility of LAM tests have been controversial. Nevertheless, scientists are constantly working to expand the scope of application of the assay, including the detection of sputum and serum samples, although the results have not improved significantly.

2. Food allergen detectionFor allergens [19], once consumed by sensitive individuals, it may cause serious or even fatal reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to declare that they do not contain certain allergens (such as peanuts [20]) in food production. ELISA testing demonstrates excellent sensitivity in this regard, in some cases it can reach the one-millionth (ppm) level, and in some cases, ELISA has obvious advantages in testing of certain food types, such as oils and dairy products, while other testing methods such as PCR are difficult to achieve so efficiently. However, some foods during processing, such as high temperature heating, may change the conformation of allergens, thereby affecting the accuracy of ELISA detection.

3. Biosimilars and Biopharmaceutical TestingWith the rapid development of biosimilars, the importance of proving the similarity between generic drugs and original drugs is becoming increasingly prominent. In this field, ELISA detection plays a key role, especially in drug concentration determination and impurity detection, providing reliable data support.

4. Cancer biomarker detectionCancer biomarkers can usually be found in blood samples. Therefore, ELISA testing has become a non-invasive method, widely used in the detection and quantitative analysis of known cancer biomarkers, providing an important basis for early screening and monitoring of cancer.

5. Forensic Drug TestingELISA tests can be used by toxicologists to screen traces of drug abuse in forensic samples, including amphetamine, cocaine, opiates, methadone, benzodiazepine and cannabinoids. Although liquid samples, such as urine or blood, ELISA analysis can also be performed on solid samples, such as hair.

6. Pregnancy testHuman chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy and can be detected in urine samples through ELISA.

7. Autoimmune DiseasesSignificant markers of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus, can be determined and quantified by ELISA. ELISA detection technology is widely used in medicine, food safety and other fields due to its high efficiency, sensitivity, simplicity and low cost. Due to its superior performance, ELISA has become an indispensable detection tool in many industries. With the continuous advancement of technology, ELISA's application field is also expanding, and in the future it will play a greater role in more industries.

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