Equipment and automation in enzyme immunoassays

Though solid-phase EIA can be performed manually quite easily, mechanization and automation is necessary for their performance on a large scale. Mechanization of practically all steps proved to be feasible. Commercial equipment was reviewed by Sever et al. (1983). 

Ruitenberg et al. (1976) and Ruitenberg and Brosi (1978) described an on-line system for macro-ELISA (EIA in disposable polystyrene tubes, 50 X 11 mm) for the daily processing of 4000 samples. Details on automation can be found in the reviews of Ruitenberg and Brosi (1978) and of Carlier et al. (1979). 

Microplate EIA have also been automated. These systems consist in microplate carriers, dilution and dispenser devices for multiple samples, washers and shakers, photometer (through-the-plate reading) and a processor for multiple reading (desk-top calculator or microcomputer interfaced with the measuring equipment). Compared to other systems, EIA requires less sophisticated equipment for reliable results, available from various commercial sources. 

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