Question

A coloured substrate was obtained consequent to an enzyme-substrate reaction.


More the cancer antigen present in the serum, more was the product obtained after the enzyme-substrate reaction. It was observed that the intensity of the colour only increased as the duration of the test was increased. This indicates one of the following below:

• A. The patient was HIV positive
• B. Presence of large amounts of cancer antibodies in the blood, the patient has cancer.
• C. Person was infected with Gonorrhea
• D. Patient was COVID positive

Answer 1

The correct option is B Presence of large amounts of cancer antibodies in the blood, the patient has cancer.

ELISA - Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a rapid immunochemical test that involves an enzyme used for measuring a wide variety of tests of body fluids. ELISA tests detect substances that have antigenic properties, primarily proteins rather than small molecules and ions, such as glucose and potassium. Some of these substances include hormones, bacterial antigens, and antibodies. ELISA tests are generally highly sensitive and specific. However, ELISA is a commonly used laboratory test to detect antibodies in the blood specific to a particular antigen. An antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. The question above clearly states that the serum has cancer antigens present in it; hence the detection will be cancer.