Introduction
Elisa (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a laboratory technique used to detect the presence of an antigen or antibody in a sample. It is commonly used to measure the levels of hormones, enzymes, and other molecules in biological samples. Hemolysis is the process of rupturing red blood cells, resulting in the release of their contents. In this article, we will discuss whether hemolysis can affect Elisa results.
Effects of Hemolysis on Elisa Results
It is well established that hemolysis can affect Elisa results. Hemolysis can occur during sample collection, storage, and processing. Hemolyzed samples can contain high levels of interfering substances, such as hemoglobin and potassium, which can affect the accuracy of Elisa results. Hemolyzed samples also contain enzymes which can break down the enzyme-substrate complex used in Elisa, resulting in inaccurate results. In addition, hemolysis can cause the sample to become viscous, making it difficult to accurately measure the amount of antigen or antibody present.
Preventing Hemolysis in Elisa Samples
The best way to prevent hemolysis in Elisa samples is to ensure that the sample is collected, stored, and processed correctly. Blood samples should be collected in tubes containing anticoagulants, such as heparin or EDTA, to prevent clotting. Samples should be stored at the correct temperature and should be processed as soon as possible to prevent degradation of the sample.
Conclusion
Hemolysis can significantly affect Elisa results, resulting in inaccurate results. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that the sample is collected, stored, and processed correctly. By following these steps, accurate and reproducible Elisa results can be obtained.
