The ELISA Guidebook (2^nd Ed., 2nd ed. 2009)
Second Edition
Methods in Molecular Biology Series, Vol. 516

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.

Overview of ELISA in Relation to Other Disciplines.- Systems in ELISA.- Stages in ELISA.- Titration of Reagents.- Theoretical Considerations.- Practical Exercises.- Monoclonal Antibodies.- Validation of Diagnostic Tests for Infectious Diseases.- Charting Methods for Internal Quality Control for Competition ELISA.- Charting Methods for Internal Quality Control of Indirect ELISA.- Ruggedness and Robustness of Tests: Aspects of Kit Use and Validation.- More Advanced Statistical Methods for Quality Assurance, Test Validation, and Interpretation.- Internal Quality Control and External Quality Management of Data in Practice.- Immunochemical Techniques.- Test Questions.

A comprehensive survey of proven ELISA methods Includes detailed instructions to avoid problems during test development Provides immunological and statistical background Suitable for scientists at all levels of expertise Contains all chapters from the popular first edition in addition to several new chapters Details improved test validation and quality control procedures Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras