Alpco diagnostics are a supplier of immunoassay kits for the medical research community.
Their kits are developed by scientists committed to supporting those who work in physiology and disease research.
ALPCO provide a broad portfolio of life science research tools for academic, pre-clinical and clinical use, including primary antibodies, flow cytometry reagents, recombinant proteins, and products for HPLC and LC-MS/MS, but are best known for providing, as they put it: “Immunoassays Beyond the Ordinary.”
ALPCO have a reputation for quality among their customers because they focus on providing immunoassays which are highly sensitive, specific and reproducible with a broad dynamic range that allows for fewer dilution steps and therefore reduced systematic error.
They have recently developed the new STELLUX™ range of chemiluminescent immunosorbent assays. These combine exquisite sensitivity, ease of use, and outstanding reliability which comes from extensive testing and characterisation.
STELLUX® is our chemiluminescence ELISA platform aimed at detecting key biomarkers in life science research.
STELLUX® was introduced to the market in April 2013 as our chemiluminescence assay platform. The name is a term that merges the Latin words for “star” and “light” to describe the enzyme activated chemical reaction that occurs through chemiluminescence, literally bringing test results to light out of darkness. All of the STELLUX® chemiluminescence immunoassays were developed with life science researchers in mind. These ELISAs save laboratories time and money while achieving the highest level of performance.
All of our STELLUX® chemiluminescent immunoassays are highly sensitive, accurate broad range ELISAs that save laboratories time and money by significantly reducing sample preparation and taking the guesswork out of determining ideal dilution factors.
The ALPCO Calprotectin Chemiluminescence ELISA is an in vitro diagnostic chemiluminescent assay intended for the quantitative measurement of fecal calprotectin, a neutrophilic protein that is a marker of intestinal mucosal inflammation, in human stool. The ALPCO Calprotectin Chemiluminescence ELISA is intended for in vitro diagnostic use as an aid in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and as an aid in the differentiation of IBD from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.
The best combination of clinical specificity (95.1%) and clinical sensitivity (92.1%) when used as an aid in the differentiation of IBD from IBS.
From the primary dilution of 7.9 – 6,000 ug/g.
The Calprotectin Chemiluminescence ELISA is the most clinically accurate test on the market .
Assay run time of only 1 hour 32 minutes.
| Catalog #: | 80-CALPHU-CH01 |
| Species: | Human |
| Sample Type: | Stool |
| Sample Size: | 15 mg |
| Range: | 7.9 - 6,000 ug/g |
| Sensitivity: | 7.7 ug/g |
| Incubation: | 1 hr 32 min |
| Standards/Controls: | 8/3 |
Summary of clinical performance when assessing devices based on their ability to differentiate between IBD and IBS.
Summary of clinical performance when assessing devices based on their ability to diagnose IBD.
The STELLUX® Chemi Active GLP-1 (7-36) amide ELISA is intended for the quantitative determination of active GLP- 1 (7-36) amide in human, mouse, and rat EDTA plasma samples collected in the presence of DPP-4 inhibitor.
Requires only 25 µL
No cross-reactivity to other forms of GLP-1
Functional sensitivity: 0.45 pM Analytical sensitivity: 0.15 pM
| Catalog #: | 80-GLP1A-CH01 |
| Species: | Human, Mouse, Rat |
| Sample Type: | EDTA Plasma |
| Sample Size: | 25 µL |
| Range: | 0.45-151.6 pM |
| Sensitivity (LOD): | 0.15 pM |
| Incubation: | 2 hr 52 min |
| Controls: | 3 |
Unlike many commercially available active GLP-1 ELISAs, the STELLUX® Chemi Active GLP-1 (7-36) amide ELISA is 100% specific to the bioactive form of GLP-1 with no cross-reactivity to other forms or proglucagon peptides.
The STELLUX® Chemi Active GLP-1 (7-36) amide ELISA offers the versatility to be used in rodent and human models. Mouse, rat, and human samples were spiked with GLP-1 and measured to demonstrate recovery in each matrix.
The STELLUX® Human Chemi C-peptide ELISA measures human C-peptide in serum, plasma and cell culture samples. This highly characterized assay exhibits high sensitivity, broad dynamic range and is ideal for measuring human C-peptide in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes subjects.
Broad dynamic range to eliminate dilutions
No cross reactivity to human insulin or proinsulins or to rodent proinsulins
FDA Registered for In Vitro Diagnostic Use
| Catalog #: | 80-CPTHU-CH01 |
| Species: | Human |
| Sample Size: | 50 µL |
| Sample Type: | Plasma, Serum, Cell Culture |
| Range: | 4.32 – 12,960 pg/mL* |
| Sensitivity: | ≤4.32 pg/mL |
| Incubation: | 3 hrs |
| Controls: | 3 control levels included |
| *Lot dependent as standards are lyophilized and value assigned. |
49 T1DM human serum samples were evaluated against a leading colorimetric assay. Of the 49 samples tested, 25 were detectable in the STELLUX® Assay and 15 were detectable in the colorimetric assay. This represents a >60% increase in sample detection when using the Human Chemi C-peptide ELISA.
The Human Chemi C-peptide ELISA was used to elucidate the different profiles of C-peptide levels in Normal (Fasted and Fed), T1DM, and T2DM (Fasted and Fed) human samples. The profiles clearly differentiate normal individuals and individuals with diabetes.
The assay uses 50 μL of sample and provides a broad detection range of 4.32 to 12,960 pg/mL* with an analytical sensitivity of ≤4.32 pg/mL.
10 human samples (T1DM, T2DM and Normal serum) were evaluated at three independent laboratories. The results from each of the laboratories were compared to results generated at ALPCO, demonstrating a high degree of correlation.
The STELLUX® Chemi Human Insulin ELISA measures the concentration of insulin in human serum, heparin plasma and tissue culture supernatants in the range of 5 – 30,000 pg/mL.
Superior assay sensitivity ideal for measuring normal to pre-diabetic samples.
20-40% shorter incubation than other assays on the market.
Broad dynamic range eliminates dilution steps.
No cross-reactivity to mouse and rat insulin.
Small sample size for preserving precious samples.
| Catalog #: | 80-INSHU-CH01 |
| Species: | Human |
| Sample Type: | Plasma, Serum, Cell Culture |
| Sample Size: | 25 µL |
| Range: | 5 - 30,000 pg/mL |
| Sensitivity: | 2 pg/mL |
| Incubation: | 1 hr 35 min |
| Controls: | 3 control levels included |
The STELLUX® Chemi Human Insulin ELISA provides a broad detection range of 5- 30,000 pg/mL (0.14 – 862 μIU/mL) with an analytical sensitivity of 2 pg/mL and functional sensitivity of 20 pg/mL using only a 25 μL sample.
Intra- and inter-assay precision values expressed less than 13.5% variation. Inter-laboratory testing demonstrated a high degree of correlation with an r2 value of 0.999.
Additionally, correlation between the ALPCO human insulin colorimetric ELISA assays and the STELLUX® human insulin chemiluminescent platform was evaluated. Results showed a high degree of correlation with r2 values of 0.97 and 0.95.
The STELLUX® Chemi Human Total Proinsulin ELISA offers superior sensitivity compared to other kits in the market. The assay measures intact as well as Des (31,32) and Des (64,65) proinsulin.
10x more sensitive than competitors, ideal for measuring normal to pre-diabetic samples.
Broad dynamic range eliminates dilution steps
Highly characterized assay fully cross-reactive to des (31,32) & des (64,65) proinsulin.
| Catalog #: | 80-PINHUT-CH01 |
| Species: | Human |
| Sample Type: | Plasma, Serum, Cell Culture |
| Sample Size: | 50 µL |
| Range: | 5 - 3,000 pg/mL |
| Sensitivity: | 0.455 pg/mL |
| Incubation: | 2 hr 31 min |
| Controls: | 3 control levels included |
The assay provides a broad detection range of 5 – 3,000 pg/mL with an analytical sensivity of 0.455 pg/mL and functional sensitivity of 10 pg/mL using only a 50 μL sample.
The STELLUX® Human Total Proinsulin ELISA fully detects des(31,32) and des(64,65) proinsulin, ensuring all circulating forms of proinsulin are measured in a single assay.
The STELLUX® Chemi Rodent Insulin ELISA measures the concentration of the insulin protein products of the mouse I, mouse II, rat I and rat II proinsulin genes. The kit has the performance characteristics and flexibility necessary to confidently measure up to 36 samples in duplicate.
Broad dynamic range eliminates dilution steps.
Small sample size is ideal for rodent models.
Short incubation, saves time.
| Catalog #: | 80-INSMR-CH01 |
| Species: | Mouse, Rat |
| Sample Type: | Plasma, Serum, Cell Culture |
| Sample Size: | 5 µL |
| Range: | 0.1-150 ng/mL |
| Sensitivity: | 0.096 ng/ml |
| Incubation: | 2hr |
| Controls: | 3 control levels included |
The assay provides a broad detection range of 0.1 – 150 ng/mL with an analytical sensitivity of 0.096 ng/mL and functional sensitivity of 0.15 ng/mL using only a 5 µL sample.
Intra- and inter-assay precision values expressed less than 13.5% variation. Inter-laboratory testing demonstrated a high degree of correlation with an r2 value of 0.999.
The STELLUX® Chemiluminescent Plate Reader was designed and developed to provide researchers with an affordable, versatile, and user-friendly system for running and analyzing chemiluminescent ELISAs.
Simple “plug-and-play” set up.
For use in any laboratory.
| Catalog #: | 85-STX4400 |
| Detection Mode: | Glow luminescence |
| Sensitivity/Detection Limit: | HRP 1 x 10-18 moles, ALP 1 x 10-21 moles |
| Linear Dynamic Range: | 106 RLU |
| Cross-talk: | Less than 2.5 x 10-4 |
| Detector: | Photomultiplier (PMT) |
| Spectral Response Range: | 300-650 nm |
| Peak Wavelength: | 400 nm |
| Vessel: | 96 wells in opaque white, flat bottom wells in a strip tray or plate |
Unlike other test platforms, ALPCO’s line of chemiluminescent assays does not require expensive high-end instrumentation. The STELLUX® ELISAs are 96-well black plate assays requiring a standard chemiluminescent (glow) reader.
The STELLUX® Chemiluminescent Plate Reader was developed as an affordable solution that only occupies a small amount of valuable laboratory bench space. The STELLUX® Chemiluminescent ELISAs and Plate Reader are ideal for use in academic institutions, contract research organizations, core reference laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies.
An immunoassay is a method used by many different fields of science to determine the presence of an analyte in a sample. The method is based on the interaction between the antibodies and the analyte, and the results can be reported in concentrations, positive/negative or greater than/less than thresholds.
Immunoassays are used in academic, pre-clinical and clinical research, clinical diagnosis and in supporting technologies in many different fields of science such as pharmaceuticals, veterinary, forensic, military and food sciences.
Commercially available assays are designed and optimized for specific analytes, sample types, sample volumes and ranges. The protocol contained with the product should be strictly followed, without deviation, to obtain the most accurate and reproducible results.
Immunoassays report results in either a qualitative or quantitative manner. Qualitative results are reported as positive/negative or greater than/less than thresholds, while quantitative results are calculated concentrations. Assay results are achieved through either a direct or competitive interaction.
Direct Assay
The analyte present in the sample is measured directly using two antibodies for capture and detection. The analyte will be captured by the antibody adhered to the plate and detected using a second antibody conjugated to a detection molecule. The detection molecule will display a signal that can be measured. The level of signal produced and the analyte concentration are proportional.
Competitive Assay
The analyte present in the sample is measured directly using two antibodies for capture and detection. The analyte will be captured by the antibody adhered to the plate and detected using a second antibody conjugated to a detection molecule. The detection molecule will display a signal that can be measured. The level of signal produced and the analyte concentration are proportional.
Antibodies
Assays use the kinetics of the antibody:antigen interaction to generate a standard curve using known values to interpolate unknown values.
Standards/Calibrators
Standards/Calibrators are a set of known concentrations from which a curve can be generated. They contain specific concentrations of analyte in a matrix similar to the sample type recommended for the assay. The signal values obtained from the analyte:antibody interactions in the standards allow an algorithm for a curve to be calculated. The sample results are interpolated based on this algorithm as the interactions between the analyte in the sample and the antibodies should relate to the interactions in the standards.
Substrates
Inadequate plate washing
Problem with multichannel pipette during the addition of the conjugate or substrate
Pipetting technique
Bubbles in wells
Inadequate sample mixing
Pipetting technique
Inadequate plate washing
Carry over from high and low samples
Wrong sample dilution buffer
Inadequate plate washing
Pipetting technique
Inadequate mixing of reagents
Insufficient shaking of plate
Wrong volume of reagents added to the well
Storing of prepared reagents
Low or inconsistent ambient temperature
Differences in chemiluminescence instrumentation
Inadequate plate washing
Contamination of the substrate with enzyme conjugate
Inadequate plate washing
Old or contaminated wash buffer
Contamination of the substrate with enzyme conjugate
Wrong conjugate dilution
Wrong filter used in the plate reader
Wrong filter used in the plate reader
Error in reagent preparation
Inadequate mixing of reagents
Insufficient shaking of plate
Mix-up in reagents
Reagents contaminated or added in the wrong order
Alternate component lot or expired component used
Assay incubation times not followed correctly
Delayed reading of plate
Error in experimental design
Incorrect sample handling
Error in sample dilution calculations
Non-validated sample type
Insufficient shaking of plate
Incorrect reagent handling
Poor standard curve
Error in reconstitution of standards and/or controls
Wrong curve fit used
Improperly prepared sample
Sample IDs mixed up
Error in sample dilution
Discrepancy in reported units
Error in experimental design
Interfering substances
Specificity
Delays due to reconstitution or dilution
Reagents not at temperature
Extended time between addition of reagent to first well and last well
Inter-operator variability
Differences in pipette calibration
Differences in instrumentation
Variation in environmental conditions
Differences in sample handling
Chemiluminescence is the emission of light (luminescence), or heat as the result of a chemical reaction. STELLUX® assays utilize GLOW chemiluminescence using enzymes and substrates that generate light from an enzyme mediated chemical reaction. Several different chemical reactants/reactions produce luminescence (1,2-dioxetanes, luminols, acridinium esters, etc.).
Reader Settings
HPLC stands for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. It uses the chemical properties of a stationary phase (the column) and a mobile phase (the buffer) to separate complex mixtures of molecules. The column serves to slow the movement of compounds to varying degrees based on their chemical or physical properties.
By varying the properties of the two phases and the runtime parameters, different compounds can be separated in different ways. The column parameters can vary based on particle or pore size, internal diameter, column length and flow rate through the column. The buffer can vary based on composition (differing levels of aqueous or organic solvents) or by changing the solvent concentration over time (isocratic versus gradient).
Samples may have to be prepared in special buffers prior to loading on the machine. Any particulate in the sample has the potential to clog the column, so it is preferable to separate prior to running. Often there is an in-line Solid Phase Extraction column to remove what is not soluble in the sample buffer.
After being separated by HPLC, each compound is detected by UV/Vis and represented in a chromatogram where the y-axis is absorbance intensity (compound amount) and the x-axis is time (how long the compound was retained). In some cases, compounds will be further analyzed by Mass-Spectrometry.
Size-exclusion
Size-exclusion separates based on compound size. The column consists of trillions of microscopic pools of solvent around the beads. Smaller proteins will be caught in these pools while larger proteins pass through and elute out faster. The longer the time of elution, the smaller the protein collected.
Reverse-Phase
Reverse-Phase separates based on compound polarity. The column is a non-polar material, often silica based, and the mobile phase is a varying amount of aqueous (polar) and organic (non-polar) solvents, often with a highly polar ion added in. The longer the elution time, the higher the over-all polarity.
Ion-exchange
Ion-exchange separates based on compound charge. In this method, the mobile phase contains chemicals that induce charge on the compound of interest. This can be done by cations, anions, pH or temperature.
Affinity columns
Affinity columns separate based on the formation of stable, specific and reversible complexes. This can be done using antibodies, receptors or their respective ligands. By lining the column with antibody, the analyte of interest will be bound and isolated. Later, the mobile phase can be changed so the antibody no longer binds, and the analyte is then eluted and collected.
Our extensive selection of antibodies is validated for use in flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and other applications, and allows researchers to identify hundreds of intracellular and extracellular proteins.
Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to antigens. Though the general structure of antibodies is very similar, a small variation in the antigen-binding site of the protein allows for the specific recognition of a single antigen.
Our reliable testing solutions allow for the treatment, control and prevention of conditions associated with allergies and infectious disease.
The immune system protects our body against several factors including allergens, harmful pathogens and foreign particles. Allergies involve an exaggerated response of the immune system and are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide. Infectious disease agents are also one of the leading contributors to debilitating and sometimes fatal conditions. Therefore, scientists look to understand interactions between microbes and the immune system.
We strive to help scientists better understand the relationship between key regulators of bone metabolism.
Bone metabolism is a continual, cyclic interplay of bone growth and resorption. The dynamic relationship between osteoclasts, osteoblasts and an array of hormonal and regulatory influences carefully orchestrates this process. The relative levels of these signaling molecules dictate whether healthy, balanced bone metabolism ensues. Disturbances to this delicate equilibrium, where reabsorption is greater than growth, can weaken the skeletal architecture and put one at risk for the development of chronic and debilitating diseases, such as osteoporosis.
We offer a range of research tools required to identify novel Cardiovascular Disease and Oxidative Health biomarkers, enabling scientists to test their relevance in basic, preclinical and clinical studies.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) encompasses a constellation of diseases related to the heart and/or circulatory system. Two primary risk factors for CVD include obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, both of which have continued to be on the rise over the past few decades. It is evident that regardless of the advancements in scientific knowledge of the disease and the improvements in diagnosis and treatment, more research is necessary to further our understanding of CVD.
As a leading provider of testing solutions for the Diabetes and Obesity research community, we support scientists’ efforts to gain a greater understanding of these conditions.
With no cure for Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes and a lack of effective obesity treatments, scientists in the Diabetes and Obesity fields are continually in need of new methods to advance their studies. As these needs progress, we strive to provide Diabetes and Obesity investigators with the necessary tools to identify key biomarkers to achieve their research goals.
The endocrine system is comprised of a vast network of glands and chemically diverse messengers. The messengers interact to regulate coordinated activities with the nervous system in virtually all tissues. These chemical signaling molecules are called hormones, and they are classified by their different molecular structures.
We offer advanced tools to study gastroenterology and its related fields, including areas such as food intolerance and differentiating between IBD and IBS.
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of the digestive system (comprised of stomach and intestine) and related disorders affecting it. Gastric diseases and ailments have become a growing therapeutic segment of interest due to an increased prevalence of irregular dietary habits and poor hygiene factors across the world.
We supply immunology researchers with a wide array of solutions to gain insight into the development and progression of immune responses.
Immunology is the branch of biomedical science that is concerned with the relationship between body systems, pathogens and immunity. The central science of immunology is the study of the molecular and cellular components that comprise the immune system, including their function and interaction.
We offer scientists a number of relevant assays in various formats for the investigation of neurological function, diseases and disorders of sensory information processing.
Neurological disorders can be caused by a variety of systematic diseases, toxic exposures, medications, infections and hereditary disorders.(1) Studies have linked the presence of high anti-ganglioside titers to several neuropathies, Additionally, correlations have been drawn between the severity of the disorder and the isotype detected. IgG antibodies have been strongly associated with acute conditions, while IgM antibodies tend to be present in chronic diseases. Many of these neurological disorders exhibit similar symptoms involving sensory loss and distal pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, causing them to be difficult to dissociate. An increasing level of research indicates immunological tests for ganglioside antibodies plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of neuromuscular diseases.(2)
1. Azhary, Hend. et al. Peripheral Neuopathy: Differential Diagnosis and Management. American Family Physician. Apr 2010; Vol 81:887-892.
2. Winner, John. Antibodies and clinical neurological syndromes. The Biomedical Scientist. Jul 2006; 622-624.
We help scientists achieve their goals in advanced toxicological testing by offering a wide range of preclinical, species-specific assays.
Toxicological side effects are a common obstacle in drug development pipelines. They often manifest in site-specific damage to vital organs, including the liver, kidney and heart. Labs engaged in compound, drug and device screening and development are chartered to perform a comprehensive survey of potential toxicological side effects as part of their routine practice.
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