evaluation of the stability of coated plates with antigen at different temperatures and times by elisa test to diagnose fasciolosis

background: considering that elisa method presently is the test of choice for diagnosis of fasciolo­sis, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the maximum validity of coated plates at dif­ferent temperatures and different times during one year of evaluation. methods: serum samples of patients infected with fasciolosis (n=10), hydatidosis (n=5), toxocaria­sis (n=5), and negative control sera (n=5) were examined. two series of plates were consid­ered. the first series were coated with fasciola homogenate ag 12 ug/ml, and after some steps were blocked with gelatin and preserved at different temperatures as -80 °c , -20 °c, -4 °c and +4°c. the 2 nd series were treated under the same criteria but were not blocked with gelatin. each series were examined by elisa test from 1 st month to 12 th month. sera with 1:125 dilution, and peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-human igg diluted 1:10000 were considered optimum. results: to ease reporting the results and due to many similarities only results related to 1 st , 6 th and 12 th months were analyzed and sensitivity, specificity plus cut-off were determined for each series separately. conclusion: preserving the coated plates, while unblocked at -80°c for 6-8 months is pertinent and functional and in that case, we can be sure the best out put would be applicable.