Evaluation of various plastic microtiter plates with measles, toxoplasma, and gamma globulin antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays

Seventeen lots of microtiter plates which differed in lot, batch, plastic type, or manufacturer were evaluated as solid-phase carriers in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for antibodies to measles, toxoplasma, and human gamma globulin. Most plates of polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride were found to give acceptable binding. The final choice depended on the antigen to be attached. Variations in binding between lots, batches, and types of plastic were found. Well-to-well variation was found to be of greater statistical significance than edge effect and should be a consideration in selection of a plate lot for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Lots of plates should be pretested by the investigator to determine whether there is good binding of the antigen to be used and whether there is low plate-to-plate and well-to-well variation.