- "Viral or bacterial proteins (antigens) are separated by size in an acrylamide gel matrix then transferred to a membrane. Sites not occupied by the antigens are blocked using an irrelevant protein. Test serum, diluted, is added to the membrane and allowed to bind to the antigens. After washing off of unbound antigens, an enzyme-linked species-specific anti-immunoglobulin antibody is added and allowed to bind to bound antibodies from the test sample; unbound enzyme-linked antibody is washed away. A colorimetric or luminescent substrate is added; where bound enzyme is present, this produces a colour change or burst of luminescence at the specific sites on the membrane where the original antigens are bound." (J495.51.w2)

Note: "Western blots are highly specific and useful for distinguishing between closely-related agents, but are labour intensive and relatively expensive. They are generally no used for routine diagnosis but rather for confirmatory testing." (J495.51.w2)

• Western blot analysis
• WB