Abstract
Pooling samples for serological testing was used first during the second world war. It was described later as a cost-effective technique permitting large screening of populations, especially for new infectious diseases. However, the dilution effect is responsible for decreasing sensitivity, limiting its use in practice, especially in blood banking. In this paper, we describe a modification of the classic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure, which permits the test of indefinite samples using just one well. Specimens are tested pure one by one without any dilution, so sensitivity remains unchanged. This new procedure is time-consuming but can be considered as a revolution in qualitative ELISA testing.
Highlights
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing was developed in the 1960s as a safety method to replace radioimmunologic assays
In the 80s, ELISA was generalized in all laboratories with the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus
We presented a modification of the procedure of qualitative ELISA permitting testing theoretically an infinite number of samples using just one well
Summary
ELISA testing was developed in the 1960s as a safety method to replace radioimmunologic assays. Mixing sera shows to reduce the test's sensitivity, especially when diluting some low positive samples. The sample is added, and the eventual antigen (or antibody) presents in sera will set to the solid phase After washing, this reaction will be completed by the addition of a conjugate containing an antibody (or antigen) associated with a specific enzyme such as alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) or glucose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.4). Evaluation of the procedure To be validated, this method must present the same sensitivity as classical ELISA testing For evaluating this procedure, positive control, or a known positive sample (confirmed containing antibodies or antigens of an infectious disease) should be tested first and followed by a series of known negatives sera in the same well as described above. The other benefit is economic; this hypothesis's application permits a drastic reduction in screening populations' cost, in low-income countries
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