Question

The assay represented in Figure 17.2 is used to
A) detect antigen-specific antibodies in patient serum. 
B) detect specific antigen in patient serum. 
C) determine the titer of IgM in patient serum. 
D) determine the presence of an antibody-modifying enzyme in a patient sample. 
E) detect cytopathic effects of viral infection.

Accepted Answer

The assay represented in Figure 17.2 is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA is commonly used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in patient serum. The assay works by capturing the antigen of interest in a well of a microtiter plate and then detecting the presence of antibodies that bind to the antigen. Thus, the correct answer is A) detect antigen-specific antibodies in patient serum.