In-house ELISA

After years of sending our samples away for ELISA testing, we're now able to do ELISA testing in-house. This is an exciting new development in our research capabilities, enabling us to better measure and control the level of allergen in our unique exposure facilities.

What is ELISA testing?
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) is an assay technique designed to detect and quantify levels of antigen. At RMT, we use ELISA in combination with impact samplers and laser particle counters in order to determine the level of allergen in the Allergen Challenge Theatre™ (ACT) and the Naturalistic Exposure Chamber™ (NEC).

We perform ELISA using ELISA 2.0 kits from Indoor Biotechnologies. Their ELISA kits include all the reagents and buffers required for the assay, as well as a specialized plate pre-coated with an antibody that specifically targets the allergen of interest (e.g. in our Naturalistic Exposure Chamber™ we often test for Fel d 1– the most clinically relevant cat allergen). When a sample extracted into a solution is added to the plate, this capture antibody binds individual molecules of Fel d 1 (the target protein in Figure 1). A secondary antibody linked with an enzyme conjugate is added, creating a layered ‘sandwich’ of antibodies and allergen. The addition of a colour-changing reagent allows us to measure optical density and determine allergen concentration by comparing to a “standard” of known concentration. This entire process can be completed in just a few hours and multiple samples can be tested on a single plate, allowing a near-immediate knowledge of allergen levels at multiple times and locations, or of multiple trials at a time.

What does in-house ELISA mean for RMT research?
When we sent our samples away to Indoor Biotechnologies for ELISA testing, we would have to wait days to weeks for results. Now, with our ELISA testing done onsite in our RMT lab, we are able to have results in a matter of hours. This is a significant leap forward in terms of our testing efficiency, equipping us to better monitor and modify the allergen levels in the ACT and the NEC.

What does this mean for our clients?
In-house ELISA means faster turnaround times, better control, and onsite vigilance over the entire research process. This new addition to our research infrastructure advances our specialized and highly scientific research capabilities and services.

We were able to transition to in-house ELISA thanks to the training, help, and continuous support of the exceptional team at Indoor Biotechnologies. We look forward to continuing to work with them in this exciting field as they develop new advances in ELISA and allergen testing.