Western blot
This is an
immunoassay test method that detects specific
proteins in blood or tissue. It combines an
electrophoresis step with a step that transfers (blots) the separated proteins onto a membrane. Western blot is often used as a follow-up test to confirm the presence of an
antibody and to help diagnose a condition. Examples of its use include confirmatory
HIV and
Lyme disease testing.
To perform a western blot test, a sample containing the protein is applied to a spot along one end of a layer of gel. Multiple samples and a control may be placed side by side along one end of the gel in separate “lanes.” An electrical current causes the proteins in the sample(s) to move across the gel, separating the proteins by size and shape and forming bands that resemble the steps of a ladder. These sample and control ladders are then “blotted” (transferred) onto a thin membrane that is put in contact with the gel. Labelled or tagged antibodies are then used in a one or two step process to detect the proteins bound to the membrane. For example, to confirm HIV or Lyme antibody tests, the proteins separated are those of the causative organism. A patient’s sample is then added to the blot and any antibodies to the organism are bound and later detected by labelled antibodies to human
immunoglobulins. The presence of the certain proteins is interpreted by comparison with known negative or positive control samples in the other lanes.
