What is the Difference Between ELISA and Rapid Test?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚ELISA and Rapid Test are both biological techniques used for medical diagnosis, but they have some differences in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use:
- Sensitivity: ELISA is a more sensitive method than Rapid Test. It is a plate-based assay used to quantify and detect substances, while Rapid Test is a screening procedure similar to ELISA but less sensitive.
- Specificity: ELISA is more specific than Rapid Test, which is a less specific process.
- Equipment and Training: ELISA requires sophisticated instruments and trained technicians, while Rapid Test does not need much equipment or skilled professionals. Rapid Test is easier to perform and takes less time than ELISA.
- Cost: Rapid Tests are generally more economical than ELISA tests.
Rapid Tests are often used when there is a lack of laboratory facilities, trained workforce, or accessibility problems. They can be particularly useful in the private sector, which serves a large portion of the population. On the other hand, ELISA is preferred in well-equipped laboratories and is considered a good screening assay for certain infections, such as HIV.
Comparative Table: ELISA vs Rapid Test
Here is a table comparing the differences between ELISA and Rapid Test:
Feature | ELISA | Rapid Test |
---|---|---|
Type of assay | Plate-based assay | Screening procedure |
Time-consuming | Yes | No |
Sensitivity | Highly sensitive | Less sensitive |
Specificity | More specific | Less specific |
Equipment and personnel | Requires sophisticated instruments and trained technicians | Does not require much equipment or skilled professionals |
Techniques used | Antigen and antibody binding | Agglutination, immuno-filtration, and chromatography techniques |
Applications | Diagnosis of various diseases (e.g., HIV, COVID-19, malaria, and influenza) | Preliminary medical screening for diseases (e.g., HIV, COVID-19, malaria, and influenza) |
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a plate-based assay that is used to quantify and detect substances, and it is a time-consuming and highly sensitive process. On the other hand, the Rapid Test is a screening procedure similar to ELISA, but it is faster and less sensitive, and it involves techniques such as agglutination, immuno-filtration, and chromatography.
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