Alphafetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 65kD. It is normally produced in large amounts by the foetal liver. Alphafetoprotein level increases progressively and reaches a peak at the 30th week in the maternal serum, thereafter, it decreases gradually. An elevated maternal serum alphafetoprotein is associated with the neural tube defect (spina bifida) and placental abnormalities, whereas decreased AFP levels in both maternal serum and amniotic fluid are related to foetal chromosomal abnormalities (Down-syndrome). Patients affected by liver carcinoma, testicular or ovarian teratocarcinoma present very high AFP levels. Although less frequently, an increased alphafetoprotein concentration may also be observed in gastric, breast and bronchial tumors. To cover the very large range of concentration associated with the great variety of pathologic processes, the current Microtiter Plate immunoassay (ELISA) is a simple and powerful diagnostic tool for the detection of AFP in the range 0-400ng/ml.
Kit Components:1. AFP Microtiter Plate, 1x96 wells Pre-coated with anti-human AFP monoclonal antibody. 2. Mab (HRP), 1x15mlAnti-human AFP monoclonal antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase with preservative. 3. AFP Standard – 400ng/ml, 1x1 vialLyophilized human AFP(WHO, 72/225) in a buffered protein base with preservative that will contain 400ng/ml after reconstitution. 4. AFP Standard – 200ng/ml, 1x1 vial Lyophilized human AFP(WHO, 72/225) in a buffered protein base with preservative that will contain 200ng/ml after reconstitution. 5. AFP Standard– 100ng/ml, 1x1 vialLyophilized human AFP (WHO, 72/225) in a buffered protein base with preservative that will contain 100ng/ml after reconstitution. 6. AFP Standard – 50ng/ml, 1x1 vial Lyophilized human AFP (WHO, 72/225) in a buffered protein base with preservative that will contain 50ng/ml after reconstitution. 7. AFP Standard – 20ng/ml, 1x1 vialLyophilized human AFP (WHO, 72/225) in a buffered protein base with preservative that will contain 20ng/ml after reconstitution. 8. AFP Standard – 10ng/ml, 1x1 vialLyophilized human AFP (WHO, 72/225) in a buffered protein base with preservative that will contain 10ng/ml after reconstitution. 9. AFP Standard – 0ng/ml, 1x1 vialLyophilized buffered protein base with preservative that will contain 0ng/ml after reconstitution
10. Zero Buffer, 1x15mlAnimal serum with buffer and preservative
11. Wash Buffer (20X), 1x60ml20-fold concentrated solution of buffered surfactant12. Substrate A, 1x11mlBuffered solution with H2O2. 13. Substrate B, 1x11mlBuffered solution with TMB. 14. Stop Solution, 1x14ml2N Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4).
Storage and Stability:Store other components at 4°C. Stable for at least 6 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial prior to removing the cap.
