ELISA Teaching Resources

What is an ELISA?

An ELISA is a diagnostic test or assay that is based on the affinity and specificity with which antibodies bind to antigens. Antigens are natural or synthetic substances that trigger an immune response. These can include proteins, sugars, lipids, nucleic acids, toxins/drugs, and even other antibodies. When these substances appear in the body and are identified by the immune system, the immune system may produce specific antibodies to target and neutralize them.

In an ELISA, antibodies and antigens can be used in different combinations for highly sensitive detection applications. In an ELISA, you can:​​

• Use antibodies to detect specific antigens, for example, to detect presence of microbes (such as viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and HIV, or bacteria like Streptococcus), genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or molecular markers associated with cancer, pregnancy, or drug use
• Use purified antigens to detect specific antibodies, for example, to detect autoantibodies (in autoimmune disease) or antibodies produced in response to an infection or vaccination

By using antibodies labeled with a fluorescent tag or an enzyme, an ELISA can provide either a qualitative (yes/no) readout or a quantitative measurement of the amount of antigen or antibody present.

An ELISA can detect even small amounts of a substance, making it an essential technique in many fields. It is widely used in medical diagnostics, research, and the food industry to ensure product safety and quality.​​

Hands-On ELISA Labs for the Classroom​

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  ELISA Immuno Explorer Kit​

  Use the ELISA Immuno Explorer Kit to teach classic indirect ELISA techniques. Choose from a selection of possible protocols and real-world scenarios. Students learn how ELISA can detect microbial and viral infections, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or molecular markers for diagnosing cancer, pregnancy, or drug use.​ Students can even use ELISA with some logic to track the spread of a disease back to its source and identify “patient zero”.​

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  Giant Panda Problem Kit​

  Use the Giant Panda Problem Kit to teach ELISA for both antigen and antibody detection within the context of a panda breeding effort — students use ELISA to determine if female giant pandas are close to ovulation. This engaging approach integrates immunology, reproductive endocrinology, epidemiology, and the unique properties of antibodies that have revolutionized medicine.​​

ELISA PowerPoint Presentations​​

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  ELISA for Tracking Disease Outbreaks — Protocol I (23 MB)

  Track a disease outbreak and find “Patient Zero”.​ You can even track the source of a zombie apocalypse! Includes background, protocol steps, and application of the paper model.

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  ELISA for Antigen Detection — Protocol II (23 MB)

  Detect bacteria or virus, or look for the presence of a drug, a hormone, or genetically engineered protein. Includes background, protocol steps, and application of the paper model.​

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  ELISA for Antibody Detection — Protocol III (23 MB)

  Detect the presence of an antibody, signifying previous exposure to a vaccine or infection. Includes background, protocol steps, and application of the paper model.​​

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  Quantitative ELISA — Protocol (25 MB)

  Perform a quantitative ELISA — prepare a serial dilution of known antigen concentrations and use them to quantitate the amount of antigen in a sample (can be adapted for antibody quantitation).