Target antigen

In ELISA, the target antigen is one that is being observed. This target antigen can be in the body fluid of animals, in water samples or food samples. When detecting for the presence of the target antigen, it is important to use an antibody that recognizes and is specific for the target antigen. This will prevent nonspecific binding and thus prevent false negatives.

Positive and negative controls will also ensure that the results obtained are accurate. Depending on the type of ELISA used, the primary or secondary antibody will be conjugated to an enzyme, which converts a substrate to a signal that can be detected.