MicroLab 4

Diagnostic techniques: ELISA and Bacterial tests

what are antigens?

molecules that are on the surface of a pathogen that the immune system recognizes as foreign

What are antibodies?

proteins that binds to a specific antigen

What does ELISA stand for?

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Why do we add a nuetral protein after adding the patient sample?

to fill any remaining open spots on the plastic. this prevents non-specific sticking in later steps

Why do we add a primary antibody

if the antigen is present in the well, the primary antibody will bind to it.w

why do we add a secondary antibody?

it recognizes and binds to the primary antibody

What is the difference between the secondary antibody and the primary antibody?

the secondary antibody has an enzyme (HRP) attatched to it.

Why do we add substrate?

it reacts with the enzyme on the secondary antibody

What is the clear area called?

zone of inhibition

What does the zone of inhibition tell us?

that the product used has antimicrobial activity against that organism

What do we look for in the zone of inhibition?

presence of the zone (clear area) and size (how big is it)