RESUMO
Penicillinase (beta-lactamase) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for various reproductive hormones developed in the laboratory were found to have wide applicability in the fertility check clinic of the Institute. A need was thought to transform these assays into ready-to-use kit forms. Therefore, prototype ELISA kits for these hormones were developed and stability of the individual component was ascertained at various temperatures (room temperature, 37 degrees C and 2-8 degrees C). Stability studies were conducted on previously validated assay for pregnanediol-3 alpha-glucuronide (PdG). The studies showed that immunosorbents (antibody coated plates) are stable at room temperature for a period of 2 weeks, at 37 degrees C for 1 week and at 2-8 degrees C for a period of 9 months when preserved after treatment with glycerol solution. The lyophilised conjugate, standard and immunoassay buffer, colour reagent, and its substrate were stable at 37 degrees C up to 1 week and at room temperature up to 2 weeks and at 2-8 degrees C for a period of 6 months, during which the stability was studied.