How to Store Your Immunoassay Reagents
Your immunoassay reagents can only do what they are meant to only if you take care of them the way the manufacturer stated on their data sheets. Some individuals tend to use reagents past their expiration date and still get away with it.
One thing you should keep in mind is that manufacturers guarantee their products but only if they are stored and handled appropriately and according to their recommendations. Let’s look at different reagents and how to store them.
Buffers
When you are dealing with buffers, you must look at the manufacturer’s protocol and chat with your lab mates. You can store buffers in the fridge or freezer, and they are supposed to be labeled with initials and dates. Avoid inflicting too many freeze cycles on the Immunoassay reagents because it can reduce the effectiveness. To avoid this situation, make up the buffers and freeze them in different vial containers just enough for one day’s experiment.
However, ensure your freezer is not frost-free because it may affect the reagent. If the buffer has precipitated, this means there is something wrong with it, either it’s stored improperly or has lasted its useful life.
Antibodies
Antibodies are usually expensive and if you treat them badly by storing them incorrectly or contaminating them, this will cause costly mistakes. Each antibody has a unique shelf-life and different storing conditions as stated by the manufacturer.
Most times, it means keeping at the right temperature in a dark vial. When left at room temperature, antibodies, and other reagents tend to be contaminated by microbial growth which can alter their effectiveness.
For long-term storage for example in the freezer, many manufacturers recommend putting them in concentrated volumes that are greater than 10µl. Dilute solutions are more prone to becoming inactive and can lead to physical loss as antibodies can bind to the surface of the storage vessel.
If you are using fluorescently conjugated antibodies, then ensure you store them inside a dark vial or wrap them in foil paper. This will prevent photobleaching of the fluorochrome. This is specifically important when using tandem eyes which are eyes made of donor and acceptor fluorochrome.
Click here for more information on fluorochrome.
Additionally, if you have a precious experiment, you will want to keep stock of your own antibodies separately to prevent them from getting contaminated with an unclean tip.
Viability Dyes
Many of the live or dead eyes available are best stored frozen, but it might still be worth storing them in aliquots to prevent the thawing of the dues. These items are essential tools for various scientific applications however if not stored properly or handled they can be dangerous.
General Guidelines
Aside from the storage tips listed above based on the type of reagent, here are general guidelines for handling a reagent.
- Read the labels carefully.
The labels usually contain important information about the hazards of the reagents and how to handle and store them. It’s crucial to read the labels carefully before using it.
- Store reagents in a safe place.
You should store a reagent in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Lock them inside the cabinet to prevent unauthorized access.
You should label all containers of reagents and other solutions clearly with the name of the substance, concentration, and date of opening. This will help avoid confusion and accidents.
Reagents should be disposed of properly according to the local regulations and manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid pouring them down the drain or into the trash.
- Do not mix unless you are sure it is safe to do so.
Mixing some immunoassay reagents can result in hazardous fumes or explosions therefore it’s important to consult a chemical safety manual before mixing them.
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Reagents are harmful when ingested or absorbed through the skin therefore always keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Report any spills or accidents immediately.
If there is a spill or accident involving any immunoassay reagents or other solutions, make sure you report it immediately to the necessary authority to prevent further injuries or damage.
Visit https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-can-you-prepare-samples-elisa-analysis-699ke to gain more insight into best practices for ELISA sample handling.
Conclusion
Immunoassay reagents need to be stored carefully according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is usually in a controlled environment like a refrigerator or freezer and inside an appropriate container.
Overall, they need to be protected from light sources. While freezing, avoid repeated freezing and thawing, and properly label each container with the name, lot number, date received, and expiration date. While they are stored, regularly monitor their quality and stability using reagent monitoring controls and minimize exposure to air.
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