This is a simple test that does not cause side effects.
Your EIA can help in diagnosing the cause of your symptoms and is used to guide your therapy.
The color change occurs as the result of a chemical reaction described as an enzyme-antibody reaction.
vitapix / Getty Images
This article covers the EIA test, what it’s used for, and how it works.
It also lets you know what to expect during the test and how the results are interpreted.
Purpose of EIA Test
An EIA test is used for children and adults.
You may need to have an EIA test if you develop symptoms or have had exposure to certain infections.
EIA is a laboratory technique, but it does not alter the way your blood is collected.
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, and syphilis POCT can be done using a finger-prick blood sample.
Ask your healthcare provider whether POCT is an option for you.
An allergen is a substance that induces an allergic reaction.
Drug Screening
Another use of EIA is for drug screening.
An EIA uses a sample of your blood or urine.
After this initial step, residue is washed away and an enzyme is introduced to the solution.
The enzyme is selected because it binds to the protein that was initially placed with your sample.
If a binding reaction takes place, then the enzyme induces a color change.
If no color change occurs, this is considered a negative test.
Risks and Contraindications
An EIA is a simple test with few risks.
An EIA blood test costs between $50 and $200.
Keep in mind that this cost may be higher if you are having tests for multiple allergens.
An EIA urine test costs between $20 and $40.
This may vary depending on how many substances are being tested.
You will also meet with a nurse orphlebotomistwho will collect your blood or help you with the urine test.
You may also be asked to wait for your turn if they are not ready for you right away.
Throughout the Test
A nurse or phlebotomist will call you in to have your blood drawn.
You will be asked to sit.
They generally take a stab at avoid drawing blood from the arm that you write with.
You will have a tourniquet or a band wrapped around your upper arm.
Then your nurse or phlebotomist will feel for the vein and cleanse the area around your vein.
You may be asked to put some pressure on it yourself for a few minutes.
Most people have no problems after an EIA test.
Symptoms can include lightheadedness, dizziness, and fatigue.
If you have a bleeding condition, your puncture site may continue to bleed.
Interpreting Results
EIA test results will generally take a few hours to a couple of days.
Sensitivity and Specificity
EIA tests are very sensitive and very specific.
The rate of false positivity or false negativity is different for each condition that is tested for by EIA.
You may need a follow-up EIA in some situations.
The test is very safe with rare adverse effects.
Manole E, Bastian AE, Popescu ID, et al.Immunoassay techniques highlighting biomarkers in immunogenetic diseases.
In: Rezaei N, ed.Immunogenetics.
2020;58(7):e01841-19.
2018 Aug;32(4):521-534. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2019.03.005.
Epub 2019 Apr 15.
2017;12(8):e0183944.
2017;92(5):774-796. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.12.007
National Cancer Institute.ELISA.
National Library of Medicine.ELISA blood test.
National Library of Medicine.What you’re gonna wanna know about blood testing.
