Latex agglutination method, its comparison with elisa [enzyme linked immuno sorbant assay] for HBsAg detection

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the methods for the detection of HBsAg, as regards their sensitivity, specificity, practicability and cost effectiveness. SETTING: Basic Medical Science Institute, JPMC, Karachi. PERIOD 15th Feb 1995 to 30th April 1995. SUBJECTS: 32 blood samples [22 positive and 10 negative for HBsAg] were taken from blood donors and tested in different dilutions. METHODS: All the samples were tested for HBsAg by LA method, using HUMAN [Germany] Kit and by ELISA, ABBOTT [USA] Kit. Latex agglutination method was 57% sensitive and 100% specific as compared ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: ELISA was found to be more sensitive, while both the test procedures were equally specific. On the other hand, ELISA was very technical and time consuming [2-3 hours], while LA method was very simple and rapid to perform [5-10 minutes]. Moreover cost per test for ELISA was many times more as compared to LA method. Therefore, LA method appeared to be more suitable for screening the HBsAg carriers while ELISA for HBsAg detection in early diagnosis of hepatitis and its prognosis