ELISA for human pancreatic elastase 1.

A sandwich-type ELISA for human pancreatic elastase 1 was developed and assessed for clinical feasibility. Using highly purified reagents, the test seems to be as sensitive and specific as the well-documented Radio-immunoassay (RIA) for the detection of elevated elastase 1 serum levels and, consequently, would have the same indications described for the RIA. In addition, the ELISA could be valid as a screening test for cystic fibrosis. Because ELISA reagents are relatively stable, the assay is always ready to use and can be performed without special equipment.