ELISA Kit Storage

[moust016]

I just bought a mouse melatonin ELISA from NovaTeinBio. The box and protocol both say to store the kit at 2-8 C. We recieved the kit warm and it had shipped over the long three day weekend. I have called the supplier regarding this issue and they insist that the kit is fine. I am quite skeptical of this because all other kits have ever ordered have been stored and shipped at cool temperatures.
Has anyone had similar experiences or advice on this situation?

[luisillo]

It IS detrimental for an ELISA kit to be at warm temperature for too long, but if the supplier told you that the kit is fine, you should trust them and use the kit. Just be sure to keep the messages or calls you made to the supplier in case the kit does not work as they told you. That way you can demand for a refund or a replace.

I've never had this problem with a whole kit, but I once left a buffer (it think it was the chromogen) outside the fridge for almost a week and it still worked. About this, I wrote the tech support of the company (invitrogen) and they told me the kits are stable after a week at 37ºC. However, you should run your assay as soon as possible, within a month if possible.

Best of luck

[Elisadeveloper]

In general terms, kit components should be able to withstand a period of time at RT, the assays are performed at RT but for long term storage this would be an issue.

Of greater concern is that the kit supplier provides an on line 'generic' one method fits all procedure and no performance data, suggesting a lack of diligence in development or a lack of development period. Perhaps the information provided upon purchase is more reassuring. IBL and MP biosciences have performed the necessary R+D to get in-vitro-diagnostic claims in at least some jurisdictions, so one of those kits should be starting point for any project. These are also supplied by Alpco.

As you have the boston kit, perform the assay using your own independent controls of robustness, including spike in experiments in multiple lots of your sample matrix using an independent source of analyte.

Use the improper shipping conditions to get a discount on your subsequent kit orders if the first R+D works for you.

Let us know how you get on, and let us know if you gain confidence in the boston supplier.

[moust016]

Originally Posted by Elisadeveloper

Of greater concern is that the kit supplier provides an on line 'generic' one method fits all procedure and no performance data, suggesting a lack of diligence in development or a lack of development period. Perhaps the information provided upon purchase is more reassuring. IBL and MP biosciences have performed the necessary R+D to get in-vitro-diagnostic claims in at least some jurisdictions, so one of those kits should be starting point for any project. These are also supplied by Alpco

I was concerned about the lack of performance data myself. The previous melatonin kit I used had extensive performance data regarding both standards and test serum.

Unfortunately my boss likes cheap things, now I have to deal with these shenanigans.

I plan on running the kit tomorrow so hopefully I can give anyone who cares the low down on the product.

[renekabio]

Generally ELISA kits are to be used in RT, however it has to be stored in 2-8C. If the ELISA kits are manufactured correctly, it should be stable enough at RT for a period of time.

I do not know how long did it take for the shipment. A couple of days should be no problem if, again, the kits are manufactured correctly.

Best of luck...