This is a quick-reference manual on practical aspects of immunoassay. Providing a theoretical and practical basis for modern applications of solid-phase immunoassays, this text brings together experts who have used ELISA and other assays in a variety of fields. Contributors offer step-by-step guidance on how to use the various techniques involved in immunoassay. These techniques are extemely useful to laboratory-based researchers and technicians working on the detection of allergy, the AIDS virus, autoimmunity, etc. Chapters analyze the solid-phase supports used, the amplification systems, and the quantitation and affinity of antibodies and discuss the applications of assays to biology, immunology, and microbiology.

ELISA: Theory and Practice introduces to scientists at all levels of expertise the principles of the most commonly used assay technique known as the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The book provides readers with full descriptions of the basic systems that make ELISA one of the most powerful techniques in science today, and also examines in detail the data obtained by ELISA and their analysis and actual manipulation. ELISA: Theory and Practice is designed not only to train novices in the science of ELISA, but also to aid investigators experienced in any of the biological sciences in performing independently assays of antibodies and antigens. Mastery of the book's contents will allow readers to fully appreciate exactly how and why assays function, as well as permit the efficient development of individual assays that are both rapid and accurate.

John R. Crowther provides today's premier practical guide to the understanding and application of ELISA. Updating and greatly expanding his widely appreciated earlier publication, ELISA Theory and Practice (1995), this important work introduces chapters on such major new topics as checkerboard titrations, quality control of testing, kit production and control, novel monoclonal antibodies, validation of assays, statistical requirements for data examination, and epidemiological considerations. With its numerous worked examples, detailed instructions, and extensive illustrations, The ELISA Guidebook offers a powerful synthesis of all the basic concepts and practical experimental details investigators need to understand, develop, and apply the new ELISA methodology successfully in day-to-day basic and clinical research.

Immunoassays are among the most powerful and sensitive technologies now available for patient diagnosis and monitoring. This book is an indispensable guide to information on the theory and practice of immunoassays. It discusses the scientific basis of these technologies in a logical, organized, and heuristic manner and provides protocols for specific assays. The contents of this unique book are balanced among theory, practical issues, quality control, automation, and subspecialty areas, making it ideal for health science students, laboratory scientists, and clinicians. Presents up-to-date information Provides extensive cross-referencing Covers theory and practice in full detail Written by leading authorities

There have been very few developments that markedly affect the need to greatly revise the text from the last version of this book. This is testament to the fact that hetero- neous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) provide ideal systems for dealing with a wide range of studies in many biological areas. The main reason for this success is test flexibility, whereby reactants can be used in different combinations, either attached passively to a solid phase support or in the liquid phase. The exploitation of the ELISA has been increased through continued development of specifically produced reagents, for example, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and peptide antigens coupled with the improvement and expansion of commercial products such as enzyme-linked conjugates, substrates and chromogens, plastics technology and design of microwell plates, inst- mentation advances and robotics. However, the principles of the ELISA remain the same. There has been some rearrangement of chapters plus addition of three new ones dealing with charting methods for assessing the indirect ELISA, ruggedness and robustness of tests-aspects of kit use and validation, and internal quality control and external quality management of data, respectively. These reflect the need to control what you are doing with ELISA and to exploit the method to its full extent. I do not apologize for dealing with the same areas in different ways a number of times, as it is imperative that principles are understood to allow planning, operation, and control of ELISA.