XpressBio WC3396 Hepatitis C - HCV-IgM ELISA Instructions for use
Below you will find brief information for Hepatitis C - HCV-IgM ELISA WC3396. The Hepatitis C - HCV-IgM ELISA WC3396 is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for qualitative detection of IgM-class antibodies to hepatitis C virus in human serum or plasma. It is a two-step incubation, indirect principle assay that uses recombinant antigens corresponding to the core and non-structural regions of HCV.
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For Research Use Only Not for Diagnostic Use
HEPATITIS C –
HCV-IgM
Catalog #: WC3396
IgM ANTIBODIES TO HEPATITIS C VIRUS ELISA
Two-Step Incubation, Indirect Principle
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
This kit is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for qualitative detection of IgM-class antibodies to hepatitis C virus in human serum or plasma. For Research Use Only
SUMMARY
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an envelope, single stranded positive sense RNA (9.5 kb) virus belonging to the family of Flaviviridae. Six major genotypes and series of subtypes of HCV have been identified. Isolated in 1989,
HCV is now recognized as the major cause for transfusion associated non-A, non-B hepatitis. The disease is characterized with acute and chronic form although more than 50% of the infected individuals develop severe, life threatening chronic hepatitis with liver cirrhosis and hepatocelular carcinomas. Since the introduction in 1990 of anti-HCV screening of blood donations, the incidence of this infection in transfusion recipients has been significantly reduced. The first generation of HCV ELISAs showed limited sensitivity and specificity and was produced using recombinant proteins complementary to the NS4 (c100-3) region of the HCV genome as antigens.
Second generation tests, which included recombinant / synthetic antigens from the Core c22) and nonstructural regions NS3 (c33c, c100-3) and NS4 (c100-3, c200) resulted in a remarked improvement in sensitivity and specificity. Clinical studies show that significant amount of
HCV infected individuals develop antibodies to NS5 nonstructural protein of the virus. For this, the third generation tests include antigens from the NS5 region of the viral genome in addition to NS3 (c200) and NS4 (c200) and the
Core (c22). Third generation tests have improved sensitivity and shorten the time between infection with
HCV and the appearance of detectable antibodies
(window period) to 60 days.
IgM response to both the structural and non-structural antigens of HCV has been demonstrated and some studies indicated that detectable IgM response occurs on a majority of cases to the structural (core) antigen. IgM anti-HCV core level is associated mainly with HCV genotype and secondly with liver disease necroinflammatory activity. The emergence of HCV IgM may be of four types: (1) persistent positive type; (2) intermittent positive type; (3) transient positive type; (4) persistent negative type. Usually IgM responses type 1 and 2 indicates progressive liver damage. If the patients were of transient positive type, they would usually recover.
Although there is a significant correlation between the levels of serum HCV IgM and ALT, no significant correlation occurre between the levels of serum ALT HCV
IgG. Secretion of HCV IgM core antibodies after OLT seems associated with recurrence of HCV-associated liver disease and has diagnostic significance.
PRINCIPLE OF THE ASSAY
This kit employs indirect ELISA assay for detection of IgM antibodies to HCV in two-step incubation procedure.
Polystyrene microwell strip are pre-coated with recombinant, highly immunoreactive antigens corresponding to the core and non-structural regions of
HCV. During the first incubation step, HCV-IgM specific antibodies, if present, will be bound to the solid phase precoated HCV antigens. The wells are washed to remove unbound materials and than, rabbit anti-human IgM antibodies (anti-IgM) conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP-Conjugate) are added. During the second incubation step, these labeled antibodies will be bound to any antigen-IgM complexes previously formed and the unbound HRP-Conjugate is removed by washing.
Chromogen solutions containing tetramethylbenzidine
(TMB) and urea peroxide are added to the wells and in presence of the antigen-antibody-anti-IgM (HRP) immunocomplex, the colorless Chromogens are hydrolyzed by the bound HRP conjugate to a blue-colored product. The blue color turns yellow after stopping the reaction with sulfuric acid. The amount of color intensity can be measured and is proportional to the amount of antibody captured in the wells, and to the sample respectively. Wells containing samples negative for HCV-
IgM remain colorless.
COMPONENTS
96 Tests:
MICROWELL PLATE 1 plate
Blank microwell strips fixed on white strip holder. The plate is sealed in aluminum pouch with desiccant. 8×12/12×8well strips per plate. Each well contains recombinant HCV antigens. The microwell strips can be broken to be used separately. Place unused wells and strips in the plastic sealable storage bag together with the desiccant and return to 2~8ºC.
NEGATIVE CONTROL 1 vial
Blue-colored liquid filled in a vial with green screw cap.
0.5ml per vial. Protein-stabilized buffer tested nonreactive for HCV IgM antibodies. Preservatives: 0.1%
ProClin 300. Ready to use as supplied. Once open, stable for one month at 2-8ºC.
POSITIVE CONTROL SERUM 1 vial
Red liquid filled in a vial with red screw cap. 0.5ml per vial. HCV IgM antibodies diluted in protein-stabilized buffer. Preservatives: 0.1% ProClin 300. Ready to use as supplied. Once open, stable for one month at 2-8ºC.
SPECIMEN DILUENT 1 vial
Blue-colored liquid filled in a white vial with blue screw cap. 14ml per vial. Protein-stabilized buffer, casein, and
sucrose solution. Ready to use as supplied. Once open, stable for one month at 2-8ºC.
HRP-CONJUGATE REAGENT 1 vial
Red-colored liquid filled in a white vial with red screw cap.
14ml per vial. Horseradish peroxidase-conjugated rabbit anti-human IgM antibodies. Ready to use as supplied.
Once open, stable for one month at 2-8ºC.
STOCK WASH BUFFER 1 bottle
DILUTE BEFORE USE
Colorless liquid filled in a clear bottle with white screw cap.
50ml per bottle. pH 7.4, 20 × PBS (Contains Tween-20 as a detergent). The concentrate must be diluted 1 to 20 with distilled/deionized water before use. Once diluted, stable for one week at room temperature or for two weeks at 2-8ºC.
CHROMOGEN SOLUTION A 1 vial
Colorless liquid filled in a white vial with green screw cap.
8ml per vial. Urea peroxide solution. Ready to use as supplied. Once open, stable for one month at 2-8ºC.
CHROMOGEN SOLUTION B 1 vial
Colorless liquid filled in a black vial with black screw cap.
8ml per vial. TMB solution (Tetramethyl benzidine dissolved in citric acid) Ready to use as supplied.
Once open, stable for one month at 2-8ºC.
STOP SOLUTION 1 vial
Colorless liquid filled in a white vial with yellow screw cap.
8ml per vial. Diluted sulfuric acid solution (2.0M H
2
SO
4
).
Ready to use as supplied.
PLASTIC SEALABLE BAG 1 unit
For enclosing the strips not in use.
CARDBOARD PLATE COVER 3 sheets
To cover the plates during incubation and prevent evaporation or contamination of the wells.
PACKAGE INSERTS 1 copy
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ADDITIONAL MATERIALS AND INSTRUMENTS
REQUIRED BUT NOT PROVIDED
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Freshly distilled or deionized water.
Disposable gloves and timer.
Appropriate waste containers for potentially contaminated materials.
Disposable V-shaped troughs.
Dispensing system and/or pipette (single or multichannel), disposable pipette tips.
Absorbent tissue or clean towel.
Dry incubator or water bath, 37±0.5ºC.
Microshaker for dissolving and mixing conjugate with samples.
• Microwell plate reader, single wavelength 450nm or dual wavelength 450nm and 630nm.
•
Microwell aspiration/wash system.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION,TRANSPORTATION
AND STORAGE
1. Sample Collection: Either fresh serum or plasma samples can be used for this assay. Blood collected by venipuncture should be allowed to clot naturally and completely – the serum/plasma must be separated from the clot as early as possible as to avoid hemolysis of the RBC. Care should be taken to ensure that the serum samples are clear and not contaminated by microorganisms. Any visible particulate matters in the sample should be removed by centrifugation at 3000 RPM for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or by filtration on 0.22u filters.
Plasma samples collected into EDTA, sodium citrate or heparin may be tested, but highly lipaemic, icteric, or hemolized samples should not be used as they could give erroneous results in the assay. Do not heat inactivate samples. This can cause sample deterioration.
2. Transportation and Storage: Store samples at 2-
8ºC. Samples not required for assaying within 3 days should be stored frozen (-20ºC or lower). Multiple freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided. For shipment, samples should be packaged and labeled in accordance with the existing local and international regulations for transport of clinical samples and ethological agents.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR WASHING
1. A good washing procedure is essential to obtain correct and precise analytical data.
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It is therefore recommended to use a good quality
ELISA microplate washer, maintained at the best level of washing performances. In general, no less than 5 automatic washing cycles with dispensing of
350-
400μl/well, are sufficient to avoid false positive reactions and high background (all wells turn yellow).
To avoid cross-contaminations of the plate with sample or HRP-conjugate, after incubation do not discard the content of the wells, but allow the plate washer to aspirate it automatically.
Anyway, we recommend calibrating the washing system on the kit itself in order to match the declared analytical performances. Assure that the microplate washer’s liquid dispensing channels are not blocked or contaminated, and sufficient volume of Wash buffer is dispensed each time into the wells.
In case of manual washing, we suggest to perform at least 5 cycles, dispensing 350-
400μl/well and aspirating the liquid for 5times. If poor results (high background) are observed, increase the washing cycles or soaking time per well.
In any case, the liquid aspirated out the strips should be treated with a sodium hypochlorite solution (final concentration of 2.5%) for 24 hours, before liquids are disposed in an appropriate way.
The concentrated Washing solution should be diluted
1 to 20 before use. For one plate, mix 50 ml of the concentrate with 950ml of water for a final volume of
1000ml diluted Wash Buffer. If less than a whole plate is used, prepare the proportional volume of solution.
STORAGE AND STABILITY
The components of the kit will remain stable through the expiration date indicated on the label and package when stored between 2-8ºC, do not freeze. To assure maximum performance of this HCV IgM ELISA kit, during storage protect the reagents from contamination with microorganism or chemicals.
PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY
This kit is intended FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY
The ELISA assay is a time and temperature sensitive method. To avoid incorrect result, strictly follow the test procedure steps and do not modify them.
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Do not exchange reagents from different lots, or use reagents from other commercially available kits. The components of the kit are precisely matched as to achieve optimal performance during testing.
Make sure that all reagents are within the validity indicated on the kit box and are of the same lot.
Never use reagents beyond the expiry date stated on reagents labels or on the kit box.
CAUTION - CRITICAL STEP: Allow the reagents and samples to stabilize at room temperature (18-
30ºC) before use. Shake reagent gently before, and return to 2-8ºC immediately after use.
Use only sufficient volume of sample as indicated in the procedure steps. Failure to do so may cause in low sensitivity of the assay.
Do not touch the bottom exterior of the wells; fingerprints or scratches may interfere with microwell reading.
When reading the results, ensure that the plate bottom is dry and there are no air-bubbles inside the wells.
Never allow the microplate wells to dry after the washing step. Immediately proceed to the next step.
Avoid the formation of air-bubbles when adding the reagents.
Avoid assay steps long time interruptions. Assure same working conditions for all wells.
Calibrate the pipette frequently to assure the accuracy of samples/reagents dispensing. Always use different disposal pipette tips for each specimen and reagents as to avoid cross-contaminations.
Never pipette solutions by mouth.
The use of automatic pipettes is recommended.
Assure that the incubation temperature is 37ºC inside the incubator.
When adding samples, avoid touching the well’s bottom with the pipette tip.
When reading the results with a plate reader, it is recommended to determine the absorbance at
450nm or at 450nm with reference at 630nm.
All specimens from human origin should be considered as potentially infectious.
Materials from human origin may have been used in the kit. These materials have been tested with tests kits with accepted performance and found negative
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21. for antibodies to HIV ½, HCV, TP and HBsAg.
However, there is no analytical method that can assure that infectious agents in the specimens or reagents are completely absent. Therefore, handle reagents and specimens with extreme caution as if capable of transmitting infectious diseases. Strict adherence to GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) regulations can ensure the personal safety. Never eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in the assay laboratory.
Bovine derived sera may have been used in this kit.
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fetal calf sera
(FCS) are derived from animals from BSE/TSE freegeographical areas.
The pipette tips, vials, strips and sample containers should be collected and autoclaved for 1hour at
121ºC or treated with 10% sodium hypochlorite for
30minutes to decontaminate before any further steps for disposal.
The Stop solution (2M H
2
SO
4
) is a strong acid.
Corrosive. Use it with appropriate care. Wipe up spills immediately or wash with water if come into contact with the skin or eyes. ProClin 300 used as a preservative can cause sensation of the skin.
The enzymatic activity of the HRP-conjugate might be affected from dust, reactive chemical, and substances like sodium hypochlorite, acids, alkalis etc. Do not perform the assay in the presence of such substances.
Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available upon request.
If using fully automated microplate processing system, during incubation, do not cover the plates with the plate cover. The tapping out of the remainders inside the plate after washing, can also be omitted.
ASSAY PROCEDURE
Step 1 Reagents preparation: Allow the reagents to reach room temperature (18-30
°C) for at least
15-30 minutes. Check the Wash Buffer concentrate for the presence of salt crystals. If crystals have formed in the solution, resolubilize by warming at 37ºC until crystals dissolve. Dilute the stock wash buffer 1 to 20 with distilled or deionized water. Use only clean vessels to dilute the Wash buffer.
Step 2 Numbering Wells: Set the strips needed in stripholder and number sufficient number of wells including three Negative control (e.g. B1, C1,
D1), two Positive control (e.g. E1, F1) and one
Blank (A1, Neither samples nor HRP-Conjugate should be added into the Blank well). If the results will be determined by using dual wavelength plate reader, the requirement for use of Blank well could be omitted. Use only number of strips required for the test.
Step 3 Adding Diluent: Add 100
µl Specimen Diluent into each well except in the blank and
Positive/Negative controls wells.
ASSAY PROCEDURE
Step 4 Adding Sample: Add Sample 10
µl, or Positive control/Negative control, 100
µl into their respective wells. Note: Use a separate disposal pipette tip for each specimen, Negative
Control and Positive Control as to avoid
cross-contamination. Mix by tapping the plate gently.
Step 5 Incubating: Cover the plate with the plate cover and incubate for 30 minutes at 37
°C. It is recommended to use thermostat-controlled water tank to assure the temperature stability and humidity during the incubation. If dry incubator is used, do not open the door frequently.
Step 6 Washing: After the end of the incubation, remove and discard the plate cover. Wash each well 5times with diluted Wash buffer. Each time allow the microwells to soak for 30-60 seconds.
After the final washing cycle, turn the plate onto blotting paper or clean towel, and tap it to remove any remaining liquids.
Step 7 Adding HRP-Conjugate: Add 100
µl HRP-
Conjugate to each well except the Blank.
Step 8 HRP-Conjugate Incubating: Cover the plate with the plate cover and incubate for 30 minutes at 37
°C.
Step 9 Washing: At the end of the incubation, remove and discard the plate cover. Wash each well 5 times with diluted Wash buffer as in Step6.
Step 10 Coloring: Dispense 50
µl of Chromogen A and
50
µl Chromogen B solution into each well including the Blank and mix by tapping the plate gently. Incubate the plate at 37ºC for 15minutes
avoiding light. The enzymatic reaction between the Chromogen A/B solutions produces blue color in Positive control and HCV IgM positive sample wells.
Step 11 Stopping Reaction: Using a multichannel pipette or manually add 50
µl Stop Solution into each well and mix by tapping the plate gently.
Intensive yellow color develops in Positive control and HCV IgM positive sample wells.
Step 12 Measuring the Absorbance: Calibrate the plate reader with the Blank well and read the absorbance at 450nm. If a dual filter instrument is used, set the reference wavelength at 630nm.
Calculate the Cut-off value and evaluate the results (Note: read the absorbance within 5 minutes after stopping the reaction).
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS AND QUALITY
CONTROL
Each microplate should be considered separately when calculating and interpreting results of the assay, regardless of the number of plates concurrently processed. The results are calculated by relating each sample’s optical density (OD) value to the Cut-off value
(C.O.) of the plate. If the Cut-off reading is based on single filter plate reader, the results should be calculated by subtracting the Blank well OD value from the print report values of samples and controls. In case the reading is based on dual filter plate reader, do not subtract the Blank well OD from the print report values of samples and controls.
1. Calculation of Cut-off value (C.O.) = *NC + 0.12
*NC = the mean absorbance value for three negative controls.
Important: If the mean OD value of the negative control is lower than 0.02, take it as 0.02.If higher than
0.02 see the Quality Control Range.
Example:
1. Calculation of NC:
Well No B1 C1 D1
Negative Controls OD value 0.014 0.012 0.016
NC = 0.014
(The mean value is lower than 0.02, so take it as 0.02).
2. Calculation of Cut-off (C.O.) = 0.02 + 0.12 = 0.14
If one of the Negative Control values does not meet the
Quality control range specifications, it should be discarded and the mean value is calculated again using the remaining two values. If more than one negative control OD value does not meet the Quality control range specifications, the test is invalid and must be repeated.
2. Quality control range:
The test results are valid if the Quality Control criteria are verified. It is recommended that each laboratory must establish appropriate quality control system with quality control material similar to or identical with the patient sample being analyzed.
1. The OD value of the Blank well, which contains only
Chromogens and Stop solution, is less than 0.080 at
450 nm.
2. The OD value of the Positive control must be equal to or greater than 0.800 at 450/630nm or at 450nm after blanking.
3. The OD value of the Negative control must be less than
0.100 at 450/630nm or at 450nm after blanking.
3. Interpretations of the results:
(S = the individual absorbance (OD) of each specimen)
Negative Results (S/C.O. <1) samples giving absorbance less than the Cut-off value are negative for this assay, which indicates that no IgM-class antibodies to hepatitis C virus have been detected with this HCV IgM ELISA kit.
Positive Results (S/C.O.
≥1): samples giving an absorbance greater than, or equal to the Cut-off value are considered initially reactive which indicates that IgM antibodies to hepatitis C virus have been detected using this HCV IgM ELISA kit. Any initially reactive samples must be retested in duplicates. Repeatedly reactive samples could be considered positive for HCV IgM.
Borderline (S/CO =0.9-1.1): Samples with absorbance to
Cut-off ratio between 0.9 and 1.1 are considered borderline samples and retesting of these samples in
duplicates is recommended. Repeatedly positive samples can be considered positive for HCV IgM.
LIMITATIONS
1. Non-repeatable positive result may occur due to the general biological and biochemical characteristics of
ELISA assays. The assay is designed to achieve very high sensitivity and specificity performance characteristics and the “indirect model” minimizes the unspecific reactions, which can occur due to interference between unknown meters in sample and the rabbit anti-human IgM used as a conjugate.
Antibodies may be undetectable during the early stages of the disease and in some immunosuppressed individuals.
2. If, after retesting of the initially reactive samples, the assay results are negative , these samples should be considered as non-repeatable (false positive) and interpreted as negative. As with many very sensitive
ELISA assays, false positive results can occur due to the several reasons, most of which are related but not limited to inadequate washing step.
3. Common sources for mistakes: kits beyond the expiry date, bad washing procedures, contaminated reagents, incorrect assay procedure steps, insufficient aspiration during washing, failure to add samples or reagents, equipment, timing, volumes, sample nature and quality.
4. The prevalence of the marker will affect the assay’s predictive values. False negative results can occur from inhibition of specific IgM in the presence of high titers of specific IgG. The removal of IgG can be helpful to prevent false negative results and methods for this are given elsewhere.
5. This is a qualitative assay and the results cannot be used to measure antibodies concentrations.
INDICATIONS OF INSTABILITY OR
DETERIORATION OF THE REAGENTS
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Values of the Positive or Negative controls ,which are out of the indicated Quality control range, are indicator of possible deterioration of the reagents and/or operator or equipment errors. In such case, the results should be considered as invalid and the samples must be retested. In case of constant erroneous results classified as due to deterioration or instability of the reagents, immediately substitute the reagents with new ones.
If after mixing of the Chromogen A and B solutions into the wells, the, the color of the mixture turns blue within few minutes, do not continue carrying out the testing and replace the reagents with fresh ones.
VALIDITY
Please do not use this kit beyond the expiration indicated on the kit box and reagent labels.
REFERENCES:
1. Weiner AJ, Kuo G, Bradley D, et al. Detection of hepatitis C virus sequences in non-A, non-B hepatitis.
Lancet 1990; 335: 1-3.
2. Bresters D, Mauser-Bunschoten EP, Reesink HW, et al.
Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus. Lancet 1993;
342: 210-1.
3. Thomas DL, Zenilman JM, Alter HJ, et al. Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus among patients attending sexually transmitted diseases clinics in
Baltimore -- an analysis of 309 sex partnerships. J Infect
Dis 1995; 171: 768-75.
4. Increasing serum levels of IgM anti-HCV are diagnostic of recurrent hepatitis C in liver transplant patients with
ALT flares. by Ciccorossi P, Filipponi F, Oliveri F,
Campani D, Colombatto P, Bonino F, Campa M, Maltinti
G, Mosca F, Brunetto MR. U.O. Gastroenterologia e
Epatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Pisana e Universita di
Pisa, via Paradisa 2, Ospedale Cisanello, 56124 Pisa,
Italy
5. IgM anti-hepatitis C virus core antibodies as marker of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation.by Negro
F, Giostra E, Rubbia-Brandt L, Mentha G, Colucci G,
Morel P, Quadri R, Perrin L, Hadengue A.
Express Biotech International
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Thurmont, MD 21788 USA
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Toll Free: 888-562-8914 www.xpressbio.com

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Key features
- Qualitative detection of IgM-class antibodies
- Two-step incubation
- Indirect principle
- Recombinant antigens
- High sensitivity and specificity
- Shorten window period to 60 days
- Easy to use
- Reliable and accurate