Multiplex immunoassays allow for multiple analytes to be detected in the same sample. Multiplex immunoassays can be streamlined to only require one vial of blood from patients, rather than 8 or more vials. You can buy the best quality multiplex ELISA kit online.
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Multiplex tests can be used to answer multiple questions simultaneously. Immunoassays take advantage of the affinity between antigen and antibody. Some immunoassays detect binding of antigen targets by using antigen probes, while others use antibodies probes to detect them.
Many immunoassays can only detect one antibody-antigen pair. This is the case for most ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay).
It is appealing to think of a multiplex ELIS. This usually indicates an immunoassay that relies on antibody-antigen binding events.
Traditional ELISAs are single-plex. They require multiple binding and washing steps, as well as an enzymatic process that generates a colorimetric label or chemiluminescent label to give a quantitative reading of the target concentration in a sample.
ELISA uses enzymes
Sandwich ELISAs are the most popular format for detecting antigens using ELISA. This format attaches an antibody probe to a surface. It is most often a 96-well polystyrene plate.
If the antigen in the sample is the same as the captured antibody, it will bind to that antigen. This binding event is then read out using ELISA's complicated detection procedures.
A second antibody (detection antibodies) is required to detect antigens that are already bound to the capture antibodies. However, this antibody must recognize an antigen epitope other than the one used to capture.
A conjugated detection antibody can also be used with an enzyme like horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase.
The final step in the ELISA is to add the substrate to the wells.