Explain the contribution of antigenic determinant in false negative and false positive tests

Contribution of antigenic determinant in false negative -: Popular causes of false-positive ELISA include: flu vaccine administration, presence of HLA-DR antibodies in women with multigravity, presence of rheumatoid factor.

Contribution of antigenic determinant in false positive tests -: Positive RPR exam, hypergammaglobulinemia and autoimmune hepatitis (e.g. multiple myeloma).

Explanation:

Much attention has been paid to the specificity and sensitivity of this assay since regular ELISA screening of blood donors for anti-HIV antibodies was implemented. It was found that inadequate coating of the microtitre plates with HIV-antigen could lead to false negative results. It is important that the ELISA test kit manufacturers use control systems that guarantee adequate antigen coating.