Reduce matrix effects with assay diluents.
     ICT’s assay diluents are proprietary buffer formulations designed to equalize any differences between the sample matrix (serum, plasma, urine, cell culture fluid) and the diluent used to generate the standard curve. These diluents also reduce nonspecific interactions between the sample matrix proteins and the plate surface which translates into lower background noise.
     Assay diluents are pipetted directly onto the plate just prior to adding the samples, and may be used with neat or diluted samples, depending on the characteristics of the sample matrix and the target range of the assay. Since different sample matrices have unique characteristics when run in an ELISA, they must be matched with specific assay diluents. Use of an assay diluent reduces the effects of the sample matrix and variation among samples, without pre-dilution of the samples.  ICT has created 4 proprietary assay diluent formulations for use with sandwich and antigen-down ELISAs:

General Assay Diluent (AD1) - All ELISAs; for serum and plasma samples tested in all antibody sandwich ELISAs.

IgM Reducing Assay Diluent (AD2) - All ELISAs; for serum and plasma samples tested in all antibody sandwich ELISAs; to inhibit complement and thrombin activity; to reduce IgM-mediated conjugate bridging interference.

Neptune Assay Diluent (AD3) - Antigen Down and Sandwich ELISAs; for serum and plasma samples tested in all antigen-down ELISAs; for human, porcine, and bovine serum samples; to inhibit complement and thrombin activity.

Antigen-Down Assay Diluent (AD4) - Antigen Down and Sandwich ELISAs; for serum and plasma samples tested in all antigen-down ELISAs; to eliminate clotting of plasma samples in the ELISA plate well.

Optimization Pack (ADOP), includes 1 bottle of each assay diluent (100 mL each). We can give you a good idea of which assay diluent to try, but sometimes, it's just best to try each one in your assay system. 

prices & sizes

Order today!  Just call 1-800-829-3194

or download our simple order sheet (Word) or PDF
main: 952-888-8788    
fax: 952-888-8988

Assay diluents improve your sample signal!

ICT's assay diluents can help you:

How can an assay diluent improve my assay?

• By reducing the effects of the sample matrix and variation among samples, without pre-dilution of the samples.
• By reducing background noise caused by nonspecific interactions between the sample matrix proteins and the plate surface. 

• Conserve valuable reagents. Use of ICT's coating and blocking buffers promotes a higher specific signal, therefore less of your antigen or antibody may be needed in the plate coating process.  In addition, a lower concentration of detection molecules may be needed to generate a signal.

• Decrease technician time to reduce costs.  By using ICT's ready-to-use reagents, you don't have to waste time preparing buffers.

• Increase the shelf-life of your plates. Depending on the activity of the coated protein, plates may be stored at RT or 2°-8°C for several months, or even years under proper conditions when using ICT's diluents.

• Increase efficiency by preparing plates in large batches.  Using ICT's coating and blocking reagents, plates may be prepared in large batches and remain stable over time.

• Improve precision and reduce plate-to-plate variability.  Using ICT's stabilizing diluents, plates may be prepared in batches to be used over time, which increases consistency and provides improved plate-to-plate precision over extensive storage periods. 

• Increase assay reproducibility. By using consistent reagents from a reliable source, your ELISAs may become more reproducible.

• Enhance signal-to-noise ratios for improved assay sensitivity.  ICT's ELISA reagents provide efficient plate coating and blocking, sample and conjugate dilution, and plate washing between incubation steps, which promote a strong signal while minimizing the nonspecific signal (noise), thus improving assay sensitivity. 

• Minimize sample matrix effects.  Use of ICT's sample and assay diluents can reduce errors induced from the sample solution that may result in under-estimation of the concentration of the analyte in biological samples.