Pharma IQ Glossary: ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is defined as an assay that relies on an enzymatic conversion reaction and is used to detect the presence of specific substances (such as enzymes or viruses or antibodies or bacteria). During the procedure the test material or sample is exposed to a complex of an enzyme linked to an antibody specific to the disease or substance being tested for; when the enzyme and the antigen-antibody complex bind, a color indicator or other easily recognizable sign occurs.