About MicroArray Food Allergy Panels

Introduction to Allergy

Allergy and related diseases affect at least 100 million people worldwide. In the USA alone about 50 million people suffer from allergies at a cost of 18 billion dollars per year. In general, the prevalence of food allergies has increased to more than 50% in adults and more than 70% in children in the past few years. Food-related allergies cause a wide variety of illnesses ranging from skin rashes and headaches to chronic intestinal diseases. Although the symptoms of allergy may differ, allergens (antigens) from food, food additives or environmental sources cause the production of antibodies (IgM, IgA, IgG, IgE and IgD) or interact with the mucosa or epidermis and stimulate T-cells. Allergic reactions are classified into four types (I, II, III, IV) based on Gell/Coombs system. The MicroArray kits measure Type II/III delayed-type reactions mediated by IgG antibodies and Immune complexes. IgG antibodies in the blood bind to allergens and form immune complexes which deposit in tissues. Immune complexes then activate complement which causes tissue inflammation and the symptoms associated with allergy.

Test Principle

The ELISA plate is coated with 44 different allergens in duplicate arranged in a microtiter array. A standard curve comprised of authentic Human IgG is plated in duplicate. The sample is added to the plate and the antibodies (analyte) bind to the allergen(s). The plate is washed and an enzyme conjugate (anti-Human-IgG-HRP) is added that recognizes the bound antibody. After incubation and washing, substrate is added to visualize the bound antibodies. The optical density is proportional to the amount of bound antibody from the sample. The ELISA plates for Panels A, B and C are coated with non-overlapping sets of 44 common food antigens and standard curve coated in duplicate and configured in a microtiter array.

Advantages of the MicroArray Food Allergy ELISA

• Quantitative: The only kits having a standard curve with precise amounts of antibody to calibrate the reactivity of each sample and to standardize each run.
• Standard Curve Linearity: r >= 0.95 by linear regression
• High Sensitivity: 1.25 ng of Human IgG using 50 ul of a 1:10 dilution of serum.  Other kits are non-quantitative and sensitivity is totally unknown.
• Standard Curve Dynamic Range: wide range possible by increasing or decreasing dilution of serum.
• Specificity: Human IgG heavy chain all isotypes (IgG 1,2,3,4) and Immune Complexes. The conjugate does not cross react with other classes of antibody or Kappa or Lambda light chains.
• Simple and Quick: less than 4 hours from sample to result.
• MicroArrays of antigens are plated in duplicate using automated workstations which ensure coating accurate volumes and the correct placement of the antigens.

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Food Allergy ELISA Kits MicroArray Food Allergy Panel A

Food Allergy ELISA Kits MicroArray Food Allergy Panel B

Food Allergy ELISA Kits MicroArray Food Allergy Panel C