One of most widely used applications of monoclonal antibodies is in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The ELISA is a very accurate and sensitive method of detecting antigens or haptens.Figure 18 compares the sensitivity of various serological tests.The ELISA is based on antibody recognition of a particular antigenic epitope.Monoclonal antibody-based in vitro diagnostic tests have been available commercially since 1981,and there are now over 100 test kits available for microorganisms,hormones, aflatoxins,drugs,tumor markers and pesticides.Monoclonal antibody technology has encompassed an increasing array of analytes and has facilitated the development of a number of sensitive,inexpensive,safe, and easy-to-use assays.Figures 19&20 are partial lists of commercially developed RIA (radioimmunoassay)and ELISA. Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22 Figure 23 Monoclonal antibodies can be cross linked to one of nine different enzymes (Figure 21)and used in the ELISA.Glutaraldehyde is a bifunctional cross-linker used to join the enzyme to the antigen or antibody (Figure 22).Maleimide derivatives can link two separate protein molecules together, one through an amide bond and the other through a thioether bond (FigureOne of most widely used applications of monoclonal antibodies is in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA is a very accurate and sensitive method of detecting antigens or haptens. Figure 18 compares the sensitivity of various serological tests. The ELISA is based on antibody recognition of a particular antigenic epitope. Monoclonal antibody-based in vitro diagnostic tests have been available commercially since 1981, and there are now over 100 test kits available for microorganisms, hormones, aflatoxins, drugs, tumor markers and pesticides. Monoclonal antibody technology has encompassed an increasing array of analytes and has facilitated the development of a number of sensitive, inexpensive, safe, and easy-to-use assays. Figures 19 & 20 are partial lists of commercially developed RIA (radioimmunoassay) and ELISA. Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22 Figure 23 Monoclonal antibodies can be cross linked to one of nine different enzymes (Figure 21) and used in the ELISA. Glutaraldehyde is a bifunctional cross-linker used to join the enzyme to the antigen or antibody (Figure 22). Maleimide derivatives can link two separate protein molecules together, one through an amide bond and the other through a thioether bond (Figure