For biologists and medical researchers, antibodies are one of the most important tools used for research. While our bodies produce these proteins naturally, most of the antibodies used for research are custom monoclonal antibodies or custom polyclonal antibodies created in a laboratory by a biotechnology firm.
Of course, while this custom antibody service is helpful and important, there is a problem that needs to be addressed. There are actually no universal guidelines that set forth a way to assure the validation of these antibodies. This basically means that the antibodies created by one biotech firm could be vastly different than the antibodies produced by another biotech firm. So if you are a researcher and you want to ensure valid results of your study, you need to also ensure that these reagents are the specific antibodies you want and also are selective and reproducible.
To add to what has been cited, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines may go through several studies conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but there appears to be no federal guidelines in order to validate these antibodies where no government agency is actually enforcing some kind of standard to follow. Again, this leaves scientists and researchers with the duty to become very selective on their source for these antibodies and also with the task that they should conduct personal validation for these antibodies for higher chance of reliability.
One testing method to determine the validity of the antibody is the Rimm Lab Algorithm. In this method, a Western blot or protein immunoblot analysis is used to determine validity. There are many steps in the process that can help one determine whether or not the antibody is from a reliable source. The first part of the test determines antibody specificity, and further validation is done using tissue microarray.
Since there is a relevant effect on mankind and that countless possibilities come evident with regards to these studies, scientists truly are expected to also make it an important consideration to seek reputable sources for custom monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Biotech firms producing antibodies should come with clear-cut protocols proven effective in its validation.
An example is that there is quality testing done in biotech firms for antibodies via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA. For the complete quality-control check needed by the biotech company in this regard, this is but just a part. In order to establish antibody specificity, the use of pre-immune sera is also very much viable. It is definitely a plus factor that the firm where you get your antibody service comes with guaranteed work results but it is also a "must" for you to do labs test by maybe using the aforementioned Rimm Lab algorithm.
Of course, while this custom antibody service is helpful and important, there is a problem that needs to be addressed. There are actually no universal guidelines that set forth a way to assure the validation of these antibodies. This basically means that the antibodies created by one biotech firm could be vastly different than the antibodies produced by another biotech firm. So if you are a researcher and you want to ensure valid results of your study, you need to also ensure that these reagents are the specific antibodies you want and also are selective and reproducible.
To add to what has been cited, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines may go through several studies conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but there appears to be no federal guidelines in order to validate these antibodies where no government agency is actually enforcing some kind of standard to follow. Again, this leaves scientists and researchers with the duty to become very selective on their source for these antibodies and also with the task that they should conduct personal validation for these antibodies for higher chance of reliability.
One testing method to determine the validity of the antibody is the Rimm Lab Algorithm. In this method, a Western blot or protein immunoblot analysis is used to determine validity. There are many steps in the process that can help one determine whether or not the antibody is from a reliable source. The first part of the test determines antibody specificity, and further validation is done using tissue microarray.
Since there is a relevant effect on mankind and that countless possibilities come evident with regards to these studies, scientists truly are expected to also make it an important consideration to seek reputable sources for custom monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Biotech firms producing antibodies should come with clear-cut protocols proven effective in its validation.
An example is that there is quality testing done in biotech firms for antibodies via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA. For the complete quality-control check needed by the biotech company in this regard, this is but just a part. In order to establish antibody specificity, the use of pre-immune sera is also very much viable. It is definitely a plus factor that the firm where you get your antibody service comes with guaranteed work results but it is also a "must" for you to do labs test by maybe using the aforementioned Rimm Lab algorithm.
About the Author:
Armand Zeiders enjoys blogging about biomedical research. For additional information about custom antibodies production and other biotech services, please visit the PrimmBiotech.com site now.