Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
IF-ANA | Cost effective Easy to perform High sensitivity and specificity | Time consuming Can give false positive results ENA categorization difficult Requires trained personnel |
ELISA | Automated Potential for quantification High sensitivity Potential for antibody class definition | Potential for false positives Expensive Requires purified antigen |
DID | Cost effective High specificity Detects multiple antibodies at a time | Low sensitivity Subjective interpretation Need for large volumes of prototype sera |
CIE | Cost effective High specificity Detects multiple antibodies at a time Faster than double diffusion | Modest sensitivity Subjective interpretation Need for large volumes of prototype sera |
PHA | Semiquantitative High specificity | Time consuming Needs purified antigen |
Western blot | More sensitive than DID and CIE High specificity | Expensive Time consuming Detects linear epitopes only |
Dot/Line blot | Easy to perform, rapid High sensitivity and specificity Automation possible | Qualitative Distinction between certain antibodies difficult |
MIA | Detects multiple antibodies at a time Quantitation possible | Expensive |
Flowcytometry | Cost effective Automated High sensitivity | Provides single result at a time |
Microarray | Detects multiple antibodies at a time Complete automation possible High sensitivity and specificity Cost effective | Not widely available |