What Is the Western Blot Test?

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) protein strand
••• DNA image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com

The Western blot test, also called immunoblotting, is a test for a specific protein within a protein mixture. The Western blot test is performed after gel-electrophoresis or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, and it uses antibodies to identify specific proteins.

SDS-PAGE

Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is a common test used to separate proteins for use in the Western blot. The proteins are separated by weight and electrical properties as they move through a gel matrix.

ELISA

The ELISA test uses enzymes or antibodies attached to a solid surface to create the test surface. A sample is then added to the test surface. Antibodies or enzymes reacting or attaching to proteins indicates a positive result.

Western Blot

The Western blot test is performed after the gel-electrophoresis. The separated proteins are transferred (or blotted) onto nitrocellulose or nylon membranes and identified by specific antibodies that are tagged by a secondary protein.

Positive Test Confirmation

The Western blot test is used to confirm positive results from either gel-electrophoresis or ELISA tests. The Western blot test can identify proteins more specifically and can rule out false positives.

Diseases

The Western blot test is generally used to confirm positive test results for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Lyme disease.

Related Articles

The Disadvantages of Western Blotting
How to Read a Western Blot
Recombinant DNA Technology for Vaccine Development
List of the Applications of Electrophoresis
How to Test for Hydrochloric Acid
Electrophoresis Process
How Does Alcohol Kill Bacteria?
Test Your Knowledge on Middle School Science
What are Specific Biotechnology Applications for DNA...
Advantages and Disadvantages of Western Blot
Difference Between Attached & Detached Ribosomes
How to Test for Potassium Iodide
The Purpose of Electrophoresis
Characteristics of Salmonella Bacteria
Dielectric Breakdown Vs. Insulation Resistance Test
What is Urea?
Steps of DNA Transcription
Importance of Hydrogen Bonding

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!