The Human Immunoglobulin A (IgA) ELISA Antibody Pair Kit is intended for those who want the flexibility of setting up their own ELISA assay. This kit includes capture and detection antibodies and an IgA standard. It is designed for the quantitative detection and measurement of total human IgA in biological fluids such as serum, plasma, and cell culture supernatants. IgA is predominantly found on the surface of epithelial cells where it acts as a neutralizing antibody against invading pathogens. IgA primarily exists as a dimer in secretions such as saliva, tears, colostrum, mucus, sweat, and gastric fluid, but also occurs as a monomer in serum, where it comprises 10 - 15% of all serum immunoglobulins.

The assay is based on the sandwich ELISA method, in which samples are added to ELISA plates coated with capture antibodies specific for the immunoglobulin. The captured immunoglobulin is detected by addition of a detection antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Addition of the chromogenic enzyme substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) results in a colored product with an intensity directly proportional to the concentration of immunoglobulin in the sample. The concentration of the immunoglobulin is determined by comparison to a serial dilution of the immunoglobulin standard analyzed in parallel.

NOTE: This kit includes sufficient reagents for 6 x 96-well ELISA plates (Catalog #38019). ELISA plates and pNPP Substrate (Catalog #01917) are required for use with the Human IgA ELISA Antibody Pair Kit and are available for purchase separately.