Enzyme immunoassay in the practice of a physician

Abstract

Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plays an important role in various fields of medicine. It is currently the most accessible laboratory technique. The article discusses the basic principles of solid-phase ELISA, its most famous modifications. The causes of false positive and false negative results and the most common errors that occur in the interpretation of the obtained data are discussed. Attention is drawn to the importance of the preanalytical stage.

Keywords

• enzyme immunoassay
• antigen
• antibody
• conjugate
• false positive result
• false negative result
• diagnostic value