How ELISA can be used to detect ADHD prescription drug abuse?
ELISA uses antibodies that are covalently linked to a reporter enzyme such as alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase, enzymes whose products are readily detected, often just by a color change. The serum or urine to be tested is placed along with a solution of antibodies covalently linked to a reporter enzyme. If methylphenidate or ritalinic acid is present, the specific antibodies will adhere to them. The presence and quantity of bound antibody are then determined by adding the substrate for reporter enzyme & quantitative analysis can be done on the basis of intensity of the developed color.
