ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
Definition
A plate-based immunoassay format in which a target antigen is captured by an antibody bound to a solid surface, detected by a second enzyme-labelled antibody, and quantified by colorimetric substrate conversion. The most widely used laboratory immunoassay format in forensic serology for confirmation of body fluids.
Related terms
- Lateral-flow immunoassay
- A point-of-care competitive immunochromatographic format on a nitrocellulose strip. In the absence of drug, colloidal gold-labelled antibody is captured at a test...
- Precipitin test
- A serological method in which an antiserum specific to one species' proteins is mixed with an extract of an unknown specimen. Formation...
- Cross-reactivity
- The capacity of an antibody raised against one analyte to bind structurally related compounds. In RIA, cross-reactivity is the main driver of...
- Antibody (immunoglobulin)
- A Y-shaped glycoprotein produced by B lymphocytes that binds a specific antigen at its variable regions. Antibodies used as forensic reagents are...
- Antigen
- A molecule recognised by the adaptive immune system through specific binding to an antibody or T-cell receptor. Defined by immunogenicity (capacity to...
- Antigen-antibody reaction
- The specific non-covalent binding between an antigen (a molecule capable of eliciting an immune response) and the antibody produced against it. In...
- Chain of custody
- The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, transferred, and examined a piece of evidence. For digital evidence, chain of custody includes...
- CITES
- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a multilateral treaty signed in 1973 now with over...
- DNA barcoding
- Species identification using a short, standardised region of the mitochondrial genome. For animals, the primary barcode marker is a 648-base-pair segment of...
- Immunochromatographic strip (lateral-flow assay)
- A single-use membrane device in which sample migrates by capillary action past a conjugate pad containing labelled antibody and a test line...
- Monoclonal antibody
- An antibody produced from a single B-cell clone, recognising a single specific epitope. In forensic species identification, monoclonal antibodies offer higher specificity...
- Monoclonal antibody (mAb)
- An antibody produced by a single hybridoma clone, so that every molecule in the preparation is identical, targets the same epitope, and...
Explained in these topics
- The Role of Immunology in Forensic ScienceAn immunoassay format in which one binding partner is adsorbed to a solid surface (usually a microtitre plate), the sample is added, and detection is achieved...
- Immunological Testing in Wildlife Crime and Food Fraud InvestigationsA plate-based immunoassay in which a target antigen is captured by a coated antibody and detected by a second enzyme-labelled antibody. The enzyme converts a s...
- Modern Immunological and Molecular Approaches to Species IdentificationA plate-based immunoassay in which antigen or antibody is immobilised on a solid surface, and detection depends on an enzyme-conjugated antibody that produces...
- Scope of Forensic Immunology: Specimens and ContextsA plate-based immunoassay format in which a target antigen is captured by an antibody bound to a solid surface, detected by a second enzyme-labelled antibody,...