The communication of ELISA data from laboratory to clinician

Abstract

The data generated by quantitative enzyme-immunoassay of antibody activity are unsuitable for direct communication from the laboratory to clinician. In this paper, the fundamental problems of reporting ELISA results are highlighted and a list of desirable characteristics is set out for such reports. The available methods for processing ELISA data are reviewed in relation to these ideal requirements and the deficiencies and advantages of each method are discussed. The performance of each method is demonstrated by the use of actual test data from a model ELISA system. No single method has been found which satisfies all criteria.