ELISA Immuno Explorer Kit
This hands-on lab teaches students how to use the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antigen or antibody detection in a range of applications.
Overview
Note:This kit can be modified to accommodate use by individual workstations. Download instructions for modification.
ELISA Hands-On Learning Activity
The ELISA Immuno Explorer Kit offers a hands-on lab activity for teaching the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA is a popular technique used for qualitative or quantitative antigen or antibody detection. Over-the-counter diagnostic tests that are based on the same principles as this ELISA activity include home COVID-19 tests, pregnancy and ovulation tests, and tests for the presence of substances like marijuana and cocaine. Use this lab to demonstrate the real-life relevance of antibodies, protein structure-function relationships, enzyme-substrate interactions, antibodies, and the immune system.
The ELISA Immuno Explorer Kit provides materials for up to 48 students (12 workstations) and includes an antigen, primary and secondary antibodies, HRP enzyme substrate, plastic microtubes, and microplates. The kit is:
- Designed for use in high school and college courses, to be completed in a single 45-minute laboratory
- Applicable to a range of courses, including biology, immunology, biomedical science, and biotechnology, as well as health, agriculture, and environmental sciences
- Not a simulation – uses real antibodies and antibody-enzyme conjugates to produce a vibrant color change
- Supported by free teaching resources, including a paper model activity, ready-to-use student-facing PowerPoint presentations, and a YouTube playlist with videos and webinars useful for students and teachers
Flexibility for Educators – Choice of Protocol
The ELISA Immuno Explorer Kit includes a choice of three activities. Choose the protocol most relevant to your course:
- Protocol I: Tracking a disease outbreak — model the spread of disease by the sharing of simulated “body fluids”, followed by ELISA analysis of samples to determine infection status; work backward to track transmission and identify “patient zero”
- Protocol II: Antigen detection — determine infection or disease status, presence of hormone or drug, or GMO status
- Protocol III: Antibody detection — past exposure to virus, bacteria, other disease, or vaccination status
An extension detailing the procedure for a quantitative ELISA (antigen detection protocol) is also provided.
Engaging for Students – Multiple Real-World Scenarios
Once you choose the protocol, the instruction manual provides examples of scenarios you can use as engaging ways for students to learn the principles of immunology and the practical applications of ELISA in a variety of settings.
Other lab activity scenarios not included in the instruction manual include:
- ELISA and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) detection activity
- Zombie apocalypse activity
- Panda conservation activity (see the Giant Panda Problem Kit for AP Biology)
Resources for Teaching ELISA
ELISA Paper Model Activity
Use this paper model activity alongside the lab or animations to demonstrate how the components of an ELISA work together in antibody/antigen detection.
Download PDF (PDF 2.6 MB)
Download PPT (PPT 65.9 MB)-
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ELISA Teaching Resources
This page describes the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and provides free teaching resources, including a paper model, animations, editable student-facing presentations, and videos.
ELISA Immuno Explorer YouTube Playlist
View a video quick guide, technique videos for both qualitative and quantitative ELISA, and recorded webinars demonstrating the ELISA Immuno Explorer Kit in action.
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ELISA for Tracking Disease Outbreaks — Protocol I (PPT 23 MB)
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ELISA for Antigen Detection— Protocol II (PPT 23 MB)
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ELISA for Antibody Detection— Protocol III (PPT 23 MB)
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Quantitative ELISA— Protocol (PPT 25 MB)
Additional Information
This kit is a resource for the HOSA competitive event in Biotechnology. To learn more, visit HOSA.org or bio-rad.com/HOSA.
Specifications
(2–4 students per workstation)
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