The optimisation of the enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) for thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (TPO) autoantibodies (aAbs)

Abstract

The Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) for Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO)autoantibodies (aAbs) is a useful clinical test for diagnosing human thyroid conditions. In this study experiments were carried out in order to improve two aspects of the TPO ELISA produced by The Binding Site Ltd. Firstly, modifications were made to the TPO ELISA in order to improve its calibration curve gradient. Secondly, the ability of the TPO ELISA to return consistent results over time was analysed and improved. All modifications made to the TPO ELISA during the study were to adhere to practical and economic restrictions made by The Binding Site Ltd. Results show that improvements to the calibration curve of the TPO ELISA could be made by modifying the way the assay is produced. However, these changes drastically increase the cost of the test, making them industrially unviable. It was also shown the reproducibility of the TPO ELISA was improved through the use of a national reference material