In one line
What Is ELISA?
What is ELISA testing?
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) detects and quantifies a target substance - a mycotoxin, allergen, antibiotic residue or hormone - using antibodies that bind that specific molecule. An enzyme label generates a colour whose intensity is measured on a microplate reader and converted to a concentration using a standard curve. It sits between rapid strip tests and instrumental methods (HPLC, LC-MS/MS): more quantitative and higher-throughput than a strip, faster and lower-cost than chromatography.
Mechanism
How the Assay Works
Most food-safety ELISAs are competitive assays: the analyte in the sample competes with an enzyme conjugate for a fixed number of antibody sites, so a stronger colour means a lower concentration.
PrepareExtract and dilute the sample per the kit protocol.
AddSample + enzyme conjugate into antibody-coated wells.
IncubateCompetitive binding for a fixed time and temperature.
WashRemove everything that did not bind.
DevelopAdd substrate; colour forms in proportion to bound conjugate.
Stop & readStop the reaction and measure absorbance at 450 nm.
CalculateRead concentration off the calibration curve.
Coverage
What ELISA Detects
ELISA kits exist for most regulated food-safety contaminants where a specific antibody is available.
Fit
When Should You Use ELISA?
Strong fit
Quantitative results needed, not just pass/fail
Medium-to-high sample volumes (batch of 40+)
In-house QC lab with a plate reader
Regulated limit is well above the assay's LOQ
Screening ahead of confirmatory analysis
Consider another method when…
You need a single result at the line in minutes → rapid lateral flow
You need multi-analyte panels in one run → LC-MS/MS
You need unambiguous regulatory confirmation → HPLC or LC-MS/MS with IAC cleanup
Detection limits below what any antibody achieves
ELISA's main trade-offs: it measures one analyte class per plate, matrix effects have to be managed by validated sample preparation, and cross-reactivity between related compounds can affect specificity. Those are acceptable in routine screening and are why a positive is followed up by a confirmatory method.
Decision support
ELISA vs Rapid vs HPLC vs LC-MS/MS
| Requirement | Rapid Test | ELISA | HPLC | LC-MS/MS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★ |
| Throughput | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Quantitative | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Specificity | - | Good | High | Very High |
| Equipment | Low | Medium | High | Very High |
| Best suited for | Line-side screening | Routine QC | Quantitative analysis | Confirmatory analysis |
Ratings are indicative - validate against your specific analyte and matrix with Fobeventia's technical team.
Unsure which column your process belongs in?
Tell us the analyte, matrix and the decision the result has to support, and a specialist will place it for you.
Where it is applied
Solutions Built on ELISA
Mycotoxin Testing
Aflatoxin M1 & total aflatoxin screening
Quantitative AFM1 in milk and total aflatoxin in grains, nuts and feed.
Explore Allergen TestingMilk-protein & gluten verification
Raw-material and finished-product allergen quantification.
Explore Antibiotic ResiduesMilk & tissue residue screening
Quantitative confirmation of rapid-strip positives.
ExplorePortfolio
ELISA Kits from Fobeventia
Sandwich ELISAPriboFast
ELISA Allergen Test
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationFood, rinse water, surfacesView product
Competitive quantitative ELISAFobeventia
1-Standard Total
TypeCompetitive quantitative ELISAApplicationGrains, nuts, spices, cereals, animal feedView product
Competitive quantitative ELISAFobeventia
Bio-Shield Aflatoxin Total Extra Sensitive (ES)
TypeCompetitive quantitative ELISAApplicationGrains, nuts, cottonseed, cereals, animal feedView product
Competitive quantitative ELISAPrognosis Biotech
Bio-Shield Aflatoxin Total Optimum Performance (OP)
TypeCompetitive quantitative ELISAApplicationGrains, cereals, spices, oil, animal feedView product
Competitive quantitative ELISAFobeventia
Bio-Shield B1 5
TypeCompetitive quantitative ELISAApplicationGrains, nuts, spices, cereals, animal feedView product
Competitive quantitative ELISAFobeventia
Bio-Shield Total 5
TypeCompetitive quantitative ELISAApplicationGrains, nuts, cereals, animal feedView product
Sandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Almond ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBiscuits, ice cream, grains, sausage, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Brazil Nut ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Casein (Bovine Milk) ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, wine, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Cashew ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, wine, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Coconut ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Crustaceans (Tropomyosin) ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, fish, grains, wine, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Egg White (Ovomucoid) ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, chocolate, snacks, surfacesView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Fish (Parvalbumin) ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationWine, soup, sauce, biscuits, fish saucesView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Gluten / Gliadin ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Hazelnut ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, cereals, ice cream, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Histamine ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationButter, fish, spinach, wineView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Lupine ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationSausage, bakery, potato products, ketchup, juiceView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Lysozyme ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationCheese, butter, wine, surfacesView product
Sandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Macadamia Nut ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Milk (Casein / β-Lactoglobulin) ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Mustard ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Ovalbumin ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Peanut ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBiscuits, cereal, garlic powder, ice cream, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Pecan Nut ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, ice cream, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Pistachio ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBiscuits, ice cream, grains, sausage, chocolate, surfacesView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Sesame ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBiscuits, ice cream, grains, sausage, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Soy ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast Walnut ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBiscuits, ice cream, grains, chocolateView productSandwich ELISAPriboFast
PriboFast β-Lactoglobulin (Bovine Milk) ELISA Kit
TypeSandwich ELISAApplicationBakery, meat, grains, wine, chocolateView productKnowledge Centre
Learn More About ELISA
MycotoxinsAflatoxin ExplainedThe five aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, M1), the foods they contaminate, the health risks - and why immunoaffinity clean-up is essential for accurate lab detection.Read
Food SafetySeeing the Invisible: How Real-Time Microbial Detection is Transforming Food SafetyUV-fluorescence technology lets manufacturers instantly spot invisible contamination - biofilms and organic residues - complementing lab testing and cutting cost.Read
Microbiological TestingMicrobiological Testing: A Comprehensive GuideWhat microbiological testing is, why it matters, the main test types and industries - and how ready-to-use media plates streamline modern lab workflows.Read
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ELISA quantitative?
Yes. Absorbance is measured against a calibration curve of known standards to give a numerical concentration, unlike most rapid strips which give a presence/absence or semi-quantitative result.
What equipment do I need to run ELISA?
A microplate reader (typically 450 nm), calibrated micropipettes, an incubator or a controlled bench temperature, and plate-wash capability - manual or automated.
How long does an ELISA take?
Most competitive food-safety ELISAs run in roughly 30–90 minutes plus sample preparation, so a full plate of ~40 samples fits inside one shift.
What is a competitive ELISA?
The analyte competes with a labelled conjugate for limited antibody sites. More analyte means less conjugate bound and a weaker colour - so signal is inversely proportional to concentration.
Can one ELISA kit measure several analytes?
Generally no - each plate targets one analyte or one closely related group. Multi-analyte work is done by LC-MS/MS.
Does a positive ELISA need confirmation?
A screening positive above the action level is normally confirmed by HPLC or LC-MS/MS, often with immunoaffinity cleanup, before regulatory or commercial action.
Is ELISA an AOAC-validated method?
Many specific ELISA kits hold AOAC Performance Tested Method status for named analyte–matrix combinations. Validation applies to the specific kit and scope, not to "ELISA" in general - see the Quality & Compliance page.