Enzyme immunoassay: a transcript of the result

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - a special analysis of human fluids and his blood, allowing you to detect certain immunoglobulins or antibodies in their composition. These proteins react to the penetration of foreign enzymes, viruses, pathogenic microbes and parasites into the human body.

For taking samples, not only blood is used, but also liquid from the spinal canal, eyeball, as well as amniotic fluid or mucus from the woman’s cervical canal. The analysis is absolutely safe, conducted under the supervision of an obstetrician or gynecologist. It is relatively safe for both mother and baby.

A little about the protective role of proteins in the human body

After infection, human antibodies change their concentration in the blood, depending on the stage of the disease. Exactly studies of the quantity and quality of antibodies help to determine whether this phase is acute or chronic, and how effectively the body copes with foreign flora.

ELISA analysis is effective in the study of hormonal disorders, the definition of cancer and immune disorders. In the early stages, it can detect serious diseases such as hepatitis B and syphilis, HIV infection, as well as a number of viruses that do not manifest themselves in any way, for example, cytomegalovirus.

Immunoglobulins - each fulfills its role

Five main immunoglobulin proteins that are involved in the body’s reactions in the fight against pathologies can be distinguished.

Class A proteins (IgA). According to studies, more than 80% of the immunoglobulins of this group are concentrated in the tissues of the stomach and lungs. And only 20% are in plasma. That is why this group of antibodies can be determined using a blood test no earlier than 14 days after the onset of the disease. The concentration of this immunoglobulin in the blood decreases to normal after 8 weeks from the time of infection. And if they are found after, then it says that the disease has passed into the stage of chronic.

Class M immunoglobulins (IgM) are the main guardians of our body. They are able to "detect" the infection within five days after infection. They are determined in the blood up to 6 weeks after the disease, then their number decreases to normal.

Class G immunoglobulins (IgG) are the main blockers of infection in the body. It is they who defeat the ailment, completely destroying the signs of the disease. These antibodies have their own memory, i.e. able to recognize the signs of the pathogen during a second meeting, more efficiently and quickly block it. For example, a certain concentration of this type of immunoglobulin in the body may be present if a person has had rubella or chickenpox.

What does vaccination have to do with it?

The ability of class G immunoglobulin to memorize an “intruder” is widely used in vaccination. Vaccination is done from attenuated pathogens; after vaccination, an antibody response of precisely Class G antibodies arises. To prevent re-infection, it is recommended that another analysis be performed on this group of antibodies again after recovery.

Immunoglobulin class E (IgE). They mainly manifest themselves if a person is a carrier of parasites. Defines such diseases: toxoplasmosis, ascariasis, giardiasis, cysticercosis, trichinosis, fascioliasis. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for parasites is effective in detecting both acute and chronic forms of the disease. In addition, antibodies are active against many allergens - their list is very extensive, about 500 different pathogens.

Class D immunoglobulins (IgD). Very little has been studied. Until now, some researchers cannot determine the exact role of this protein in the body's defense system. If we single out the shares of all five types of immunoglobulin, this one in the human body in his whole life will hardly take even a percentage. It is proved that he is involved in the process of lymphocyte birth. According to the observations of doctors, in pregnant women with HIV infection and bronchial asthma, the concentration of this immunoglobulin is highest.

Enzyme immunoassay

1. Low cost and availability.
2. High accuracy and the possibility of early diagnosis of the disease.
3. The ability to control the course of the disease. It can be taken several times.
4. The analysis is safe and does not give any side effects.
5. The possibility of research immediately on many pathologies.
6. Operational execution.
7. It does not require highly trained staff. Assessment of the result is done by the device.
8. Data can be used to study chronic pathologies and hereditary diseases.
9. It can be carried out even by children.

Any analysis requires control

The analysis should be carried out only under the supervision of the attending physician, since some chronic diseases can lubricate the result - sometimes there are several such diseases. In this case, the test may be uninformative. Although the human factor is minimized in this study, when it comes to samples with antigens, laboratory technician errors cannot be completely ruled out.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is usually carried out in three stages.

The collection of human serum. Blood samples are carefully applied to a special plate dotted with holes. In each of them is a specific pathogen.

After a certain time, the specialist studies the color of the holes. The color intensity and its color depends on the amount of human antibodies to this antigen. The brighter the color, the greater the infection in the human blood.

Comparison of the obtained sample with the control. A special instrument, a spectrometer, studies and compares the samples, and then gives the result.

Decoding options for the norm of an enzyme immunoassay has its own characteristics. In the body of a healthy person, class M immunoglobulins should be completely absent. In this case, the result is considered negative.

Group G immunoglobulins are not taken into account, because, as we recall, they can be present in the human body for many years. It only says that a person once had been ill with a particular disease. The squirrel just remembered this, and now, just in case, he’s ready to fight back.

Features of decoding the results of ELISA in children

Until a year and a half, a child may retain a certain amount of Group G immunoglobulin, obtained in the womb. This is a normal situation and should be treated calmly. However, if the child has immunoglobulins of group M, this suggests that it is possible to infect the fetus itself, since the proteins of this group do not cross the placenta. In each case, the pediatrician will tell you the algorithm of actions.

The interpretation of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in adults is presented in the following table.

As evidenced by an increase in the concentration of proteins in the blood

• Ig group A. The presence of chronic liver disease, autoimmune disorders in the body is possible. A high concentration of this protein indicates a possible chemical poisoning or oncology.
• Ig group G. An increase in concentration indicates the acute stage of infection with diseases: hepatitis, syphilis, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, infections of streptococcal or staphylococcal nature.
• Ig group M. They talk about the onset of infection. They may show infection before any symptoms appear. An increase in the performance of this immunoglobulin may indicate Crohn's disease, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the heart and blood vessels, as well as anaphylactic shock.

Sent to IFA - what you need to know

Particular attention should be paid to the process of preparing for testing. It is not recommended that they be carried out by women on menstruation days. The day before the test, it is better to refrain from taking medications and alcohol. In addition, it is better to prescribe the analysis on Monday, since the body will be rested after the weekend, strong psycho-emotional stress or transferred stress can affect the result of the analysis. In addition, it is better not to overeat spicy and oily foods at night.

An analysis is given on an empty stomach, it is usually recommended to do it early in the morning. It is believed that it is at this time that the test will show the most objective result. If a person has suffered an injury, or a serious operation, it is better to refuse to take an analysis, since the concentration of proteins can be increased. An enzyme immunoassay can be taken at any clinic in the community, usually this test is free. It is important to understand that many infections can be in the human body and not manifest themselves in any way. Therefore, regular checks of your health should become a habit.