ELISPOT (enzyme-linked immunospot assay)

The enzyme-linked immunospot assay, or ELISPOT assay for short, is used to determine cytokine secretion by individual B-cells or T-cells following in vitro stimulation with a specific antigen, which provides a measure of cytotoxic activity in viral, bacterial and tumor studies. The assay is most regularly used in the research of the HIV and AIDS viruses.

Our solution to the ELISPOT assay is the Sorcerer automatic colony counting system, used in conjunction with a macro illumination stand. We have produced custom systems in the past using an X,Y stage to automatically position the 96-well microtiter plate on the next well to be measured.

Automatic counting system for ELISPOT assays

The Sorcerer colony counting system has a number of facilities and features which make it the ideal solution for ELISPOT assays. Advanced correction techniques and a powerful matrix detection algorithm help separate occluded colonies and compensate for hazy and obscured colony perimeters. Custom solutions have included automatic X,Y stages for precision movements of plates to the correct position for the next measurement. A high resolution version of the system is also available for particularly demanding situations.

The Sorcerer system is designed to conform to Good Laboratory Practice and is fully compliant with the FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Final rule on electronic records and electronic signature. Perceptive Instruments is the only supplier of colony counting systems that has attained ISO 9001:2000 and TickIT approval for its Quality Management System from a UKAS accredited certification body.

» Sorcerer colony counter overview