File:HIV ELISA final reaction in Microtiter plate wells for reading.jpg

English: The final reaction of an HIV ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) in microtiter plate wells involves interpreting the results based on the color change that occurs after performing the test. HIV ELISA is used to detect the presence of antibodies to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in a blood sample. Here's how the interpretation process typically works:

Sample Preparation: A blood sample is collected from the patient. The blood is processed to obtain serum, which contains antibodies and antigens. ELISA Procedure: The ELISA procedure involves several steps: Coating: The microtiter plate wells are coated with specific HIV antigens that will bind to any HIV antibodies present in the serum. Incubation: The serum sample is added to the wells and allowed to incubate. If HIV antibodies are present in the sample, they will bind to the immobilized HIV antigens. Washing: The wells are washed to remove any unbound components. Detection: Enzyme-conjugated antibodies that specifically bind to the bound HIV antibodies are added. Substrate Addition: A substrate that reacts with the enzyme is added. The reaction produces a color change, typically turning the solution blue. Endpoint Reading: After the substrate has been added, a color change occurs in the presence of HIV antibodies. The microtiter plate is then placed in a spectrophotometer to measure the optical density (OD) of the color. Interpretation: The OD readings are used to determine the presence or absence of HIV antibodies. A higher OD reading indicates a stronger reaction and suggests the presence of HIV antibodies in the sample. Results interpretation: Positive: A high OD reading suggests the presence of HIV antibodies, indicating a positive test result. Negative: A low OD reading suggests the absence of HIV antibodies, indicating a negative test result.

It's important to note that while ELISA is a valuable screening tool, a positive result from an ELISA test needs to be confirmed by a more specific test, such as a Western blot test or an HIV viral load test. These confirmatory tests help ensure accurate diagnosis.