DRG STFR Elisa Kit

PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST
The DRG sTfR ELISA is a solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the sandwich principle. The microtiter wells are coated with a monoclonal (mouse) antibody directed towards a unique antigenic site of the sTfR molecule. An aliquot of patient sample containing endogenous sTfR is incubated in the coated well with enzyme conjugate, which is an anti-sTfR antibody conjugated with horseradish peroxidase. After incubation the unbound conjugate is washed off. The amount of bound peroxidase conjugate is proportional to the concentration of sTfR in the sample. Having added the substrate solution, the intensity of colour developed is proportional to the concentration of sTfR in the patient sample.

Storage Conditions
When stored at 2 °C to 8 °C unopened reagents will retain reactivity until expiration date. Do not use reagents beyond this date. Opened reagents must be stored at 2 °C to 8 °C. Microtiter wells must be stored at 2 °C to 8 °C. Once the foil bag has been opened, care should be taken to close it tightly again. Opened kits retain activity for 8 weeks if stored as described above.

Specimen Collection
Serum: Collect blood by venipuncture (e.g. Sarstedt Monovette for serum), allow to clot, and separate serum by centrifugation at room temperature. Do not centrifuge before complete clotting has occurred. Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy may require increased clotting time.
Plasma:
Whole blood should be collected into centrifuge tubes containing anti-coagulant (e.g. Sarstedt Monovette with the appropriate plasma preparation) and centrifuged immediately after collection.

Calculation of Results
Calculate the average absorbance values for each set of standards, controls and patient samples.
Using linear graph paper, construct a standard curve by plotting the mean absorbance obtained from each standard against its concentration with absorbance value on the vertical (Y) axis and concentration on the horizontal (X) axis.
Using the mean absorbance value for each sample determine the corresponding concentration from the standard curve.
Automated method: The results in the Instructions for Use have been calculated automatically using a 4-Parameter curve fit. (4 Parameter Rodbard or 4 Parameter Marquardt are the preferred methods.) Other data reduction functions may give slightly different results.
The concentration of the samples can be read directly from this standard curve. Samples with concentrations higher than that of the highest standard have to be further diluted or reported as > 160 ng/mL. For the calculation of the concentrations this dilution factor has to be taken into account.

QUALITY CONTROL
Good laboratory practice requires that controls be run with each calibration curve. A statistically significant number of controls should be assayed to establish mean values and acceptable ranges to assure proper performance.
It is recommended to use control samples according to state and federal regulations. The use of control samples is advised to assure the day to day validity of results. Use controls at both normal and pathological levels.
The controls and the corresponding results of the QC-Laboratory are stated in the QC certificate added to the kit. The values and ranges stated on the QC sheet always refer to the current kit lot and should be used for direct comparison of the results.
It is also recommended to make use of national or international Quality Assessment programs in order to ensure the accuracy of the results.
Employ appropriate statistical methods for analysing control values and trends. If the results of the assay do not fit to the established acceptable ranges of control materials patient results should be considered invalid.
In this case, please check the following technical areas: Pipetting and timing devices; photometer, expiration dates of reagents, storage and incubation conditions, aspiration and washing methods.
After checking the above mentioned items without finding any error contact your distributor or DRG directly.