Introduction Albumin, a serum hepatic protein, is the most abundant protein in serum. It contributes to the maintenance of oncotic pressure as well as the transport of hydrophobic molecules (1). Serum albumin level has been linked in clinical practice to several diseases. Low albumin levels can suggest liver disease (2), kidney disease (3), inflammation (4), shock (5), and malnutrition (6). On the other hand, high albumin levels usually reflect dehydration (7).
Principle of the Assay The AssayMax Human Albumin ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) kit is designed for detection of human albumin in urine, saliva, milk, and cell culture samples. This assay employs a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique that measures human albumin in less than 3 hours. A polyclonal antibody specific for human albumin has been pre-coated onto a 96-well microplate with removable strips. Albumin in standards and samples is sandwiched by the immobilized polyclonal antibody and biotinylated polyclonal antibody specific for human albumin, which is recognized by a streptavidin-peroxidase conjugate. All unbound material is then washed away and a peroxidase enzyme substrate is added. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.