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What is an ELISA test

What is an ELISA test?

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, also called ELISA or EIA, is a test that detects and measures antibodies in your blood. This test can be used to determine if you have antibodies related to certain infectious conditions. Antibodies are proteins that your body produces in response to harmful substances called antigens.


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        An ELISA test may be used to diagnose:

ELISA is often used as a screening tool before more in-depth tests are ordered. A doctor may suggest this test if you’re having signs or symptoms of the conditions above. Your doctor may also order this test if they want to rule out any of these conditions.

The ELISA test is simple and straightforward. You’ll probably need to sign a consent form, and your doctor should explain the reason for doing the test.

The ELISA test involves taking a sample of your blood. First, a healthcare provider will cleanse your arm with an antiseptic. Then, a tourniquet, or band, will be applied around your arm to create pressure and cause your veins to swell with blood. Next, a needle will be placed in one of your veins to draw a small sample of blood. When enough blood has been collected, the needle will be removed and a small bandage will be placed on your arm where the needle was. You’ll be asked to maintain pressure at the site where the needle was inserted for a few minutes to reduce blood flow.

This procedure should be relatively painless, but your arm may throb a little after it’s done.

The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the lab, a technician will add the sample to a petri dish containing the specific antigen related to the condition for which you are being tested. If your blood contains antibodies to the antigen, the two will bind together. The technician will check this by adding an enzyme to the petri dish and observing how your blood and the antigen react.

You may have the condition if the contents of the dish change color. How much change the enzyme causes allows the technician to determine the presence and amount of antibody.

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