Sample Diluents
Improve the Accuracy of your ELISA
A sample diluent is a buffer used to dilute test samples so they read within the functional range of the assay. High-titer samples will overload the finite binding capacity of the coated ELISA plate, leading to inconsistent results, and decreasing the specific signal. The correct sample diluent will also aid in reducing false positives and decrease background noise by diluting any interfereing proteins in the test sample. Diluting the test sample increases overall sensitivity and reduces sample variation.
ICT has created 3 proprietary sample diluent formulations for use with antigen-down and sandwich ELISAs:
General Purpose Sample Diluent (SD1)
Use this diluent for: Serum, Ascites, Cell culture supernatant samples
SD1 is formulated for diluting goat, rabbit, mouse, and human sera, as well as mouse ascites fluid and cell culture media. SD1 can also be used for dilution of mammalian and chicken serum samples in antigen-down ELISA formats. Hyperimmunized serum samples contain nonspecific IgG antibody that may interfere with the titration. Proprietary additives have been incorporated into this diluent that minimize nonspecific binding interactions of the non specific IgG in the samples, thus decreasing background noise. Dilutions of the antigen standard for use in sandwich ELISA formats have also been carried out using this diluent.
SD1 contains a buffered BSA protein base to assure a constant pH and solute environment favorable to antibody-antigen interactions. It also contains an antimicrobial agent to provide a solution free of bacterial contamination.
Plasma Sample Diluent (Antigen-Down) (SD2)
Use this diluent for: Antigen-down testing of plasma samples; inhibition of complement and thrombin activity (clotting).
SD2 is formulated specifically for use with plasma samples being tested in an antigen-down ELISA format. This diluent contains proprietary additives in a buffered BSA protein base with which provide an assay environment that minimizes nonspecific binding while maintaining proper ionic strength and pH for efficient antibody-antigen interaction. Additional additives have been included to inhibit thrombin (clotting) and complement activity during the plasma sample incubation period. SD2 also contains an antimicrobial agent to provide a solution free of bacterial contamination.
Neptune Sample Diluent (SD3)
Use this diluent for: Samples with high nonspecific binding; improved antibody-antigen interaction.
SD3 contains proprietary additives in a buffered PBS base to provide an assay environment that minimizes nonspecific binding while maintaining proper ionic strength and pH for efficient antibody-antigen interaction. This diluent formulation does not contain any mammalian proteins. SD3 also contains an antimicrobial agent to provide a solution free of bacterial contamination.
Optimization Pack (SDOP)
Includes one bottle of each sample diluent. To yield the highest specific signal in your assay, it may be best to evaluate each diluent formulation with your sample type.
Save 15% with the SDOP! The Optimization Pack (catalog #959) includes one 100mL bottle of each sample diluent: catalog #647 SD1, #694 SD2, and #6124 SD3.
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