What would happen if the color reaction phase is prolonged in an ELISA test?

What would happen if the color reaction phase is prolonged in an ELISA test?

• A. Result will be falsely decreased
• B. Result will be falsely increased
• C. Result will be unaffected
• D. Impossible to determine

Answer: (B)

In an ELISA test, the color reaction phase is critical in determining the concentration of the target analyte. If this phase is prolonged, the enzyme-substrate reaction continues for a longer time, leading to an increase in the amount of product formed, which in turn results in a more intense color change. This heightened color change can lead to a falsely increased result in the test. Furthermore, ELISA assays are designed to operate within specific time limits to ensure accuracy and reliability. Extending the reaction time beyond the established parameters can amplify the signal, potentially skewing quantitative results. Therefore, the conclusion that a prolonged reaction phase would yield a falsely increased result is accurate, as the optical density readings would reflect this heightened substrate conversion incorrectly.

In an ELISA test, the color reaction phase is critical in determining the concentration of the target analyte. If this phase is prolonged, the enzyme-substrate reaction continues for a longer time, leading to an increase in the amount of product formed, which in turn results in a more intense color change. This heightened color change can lead to a falsely increased result in the test.

Furthermore, ELISA assays are designed to operate within specific time limits to ensure accuracy and reliability. Extending the reaction time beyond the established parameters can amplify the signal, potentially skewing quantitative results. Therefore, the conclusion that a prolonged reaction phase would yield a falsely increased result is accurate, as the optical density readings would reflect this heightened substrate conversion incorrectly.