What is the full form of ELISA

ELISA: Enzyme-linked Immune Sorbent Assay

ELISA stands for Enzyme-linked Immune Sorbent Assay. It is a test that is used to detect and measure antibodies in the blood sample of a person. These antibodies are produced in response to the infectious substances called antigens. So, if the presence of antibodies is confirmed in the test, it shows the presence of infectious agents or antigens in the blood. It means the person is infected or suffering from a disease. Due to its simplicity and sensitivity, it is widely used to detect a variety of antibody and antigen like toxins, viruses, hormones, etc. The ELISA was developed in 1970 and the term ELISA was first used by Engyall & Perlma in 1971.

ELISA test helps diagnose a number of diseases. Some of the major diseases are given below:

• AIDS
• Lyme disease
• Rotavirus
• Pernicious anemia
• Syphilis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Zika virus

Key Features

• It has high sensitivity and specificity, so can easily detect antigens.
• You can visually read the result of quantitative ELISA tests.
• It can screen a large number of specimens at a time so multiple tests can be done at one time.
• Sophisticated equipment and skilled technicians are required to perform the test.
• The test involves the use of an enzyme system and immunosorbent.
• Reagents required in ELISA test are stable so can be distributed to a district or rural laboratories.
• Safe procedure as it does not require the radioisotopes and radiation counter.
• It has very less error probability.
• It is a quick procedure as well as easy to perform.
• It is performed with cost ?effective diagnostic kits and reagents that have long shelf-life.
• It can detect infection at the early stages of infection.
• It can be used to detect a large number of infections.