Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay

Introduction
ELISA testing is among the most common forms of testing used today. The ELISA tests antigens by measuring the anitbodies associated with those anitgens. In an ELISA, anitbodies are injected via serum into a bath that contains antigens. If the antibodies are of the appropriate type they will bind to the antigens. Afterwords the serum is removed and replaced, removing unbound antibodies. Then a second set of antibodies with an attached enzyme are injected. These bind to the primary antibodies. The serum is again rinsed to remove excess secondary antibodies. Then a colorless substrate is inserted into the bath and depending on the reaction with the enzyme may cause a color change, indicating positive or present, or no change indicating negative or absent.

Procedure

1. We will simulate an outbreak and mix samples of "bodily fluids", to simulate spreading.
2. The mixed samples will be placed into multiple wells.
3. The wells will be tested through ELISA.
4. The results based in color will be analyzed.