High Performance Dioxin/Furan Immunoassay Kit Insert (IN-DF1)
Last Revised: 12/4/98
K.
Interpretation of the Results
1.

After each EIA run, calculate for each standard and sample the %NC value (OD as a percent of the negative control OD). The %NC values for standards should be compared to Table 1 to determine if the EIA is performing properly. Refer to Table 3 or the appropriate Application Note for instructions on interpretation of sample results. Contact CAPE Technologies if additional assistance is required regarding interpretation of results.

2. Quantitative interpretation of data may be possible for advanced users in certain situations. Consult Technical Note TN-004 for discussion of this topic. Quantitative interpretation can be performed using Module C from the CAPE Technologies Utilities Disk, which is included with the DF1 Starter Kit (DF1-ST). This Microsoft Excel 5 workbook file contains background information and operating instructions. The file utilizes a four parameter equation designed specifically for immunoassays and used in most commercial immunoassay software. Module C plots the actual data and the calculated four parameter solution, and determines sample concentrations based on the calculated curve fitting solution. It is necessary to use all the standards listed in Table 1 to produce an acceptable curve fit. Contact CAPE Technologies if additional assistance is required regarding quantitative interpretation of results.

L.
Limitations of the Procedure

To ensure accurate and reliable results, every effort should be made to perform the CAPE Technologies High Performance Dioxin/Furan Immunoassay Kit at temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 27°C (81°F).
The distribution of PCDD/Fs can be extremely heterogeneous. Adequate sample number and distribution are the responsibility of the analyst.
Samples analyzed by EIA must contain either immunoassay compatible internal standards or no internal standards. Consult Technical Note TN-001 and Calculation Module D for discussion and other assistance.


The CAPE Technologies High Performance Dioxin/Furan Immunoassay Kit is designed for screening of samples according to their TEQ by responding to the toxic PCDD/F congeners in approximate correlation with their TEFs. Quantitative interpretation of data may be possible for advanced users in certain situations. Consult Technical Note TN-004 for discussion of this topic.


M.
Storage
* Store all test kit components at 2°C to 6°C (36 °F to 43°F) when not in use.
* Do not expose test kit components to temperatures greater than 37°C (99°F). Storage at ambient temperature (20°C to 27°C or 68°F to 81°F) on the day of use is acceptable. Prolonged exposure (many days) or repeated exposure to ambient temperatures may cause a loss of reagent (especially conjugate) activity, resulting in decreased OD values for all tubes.
* Do not freeze test kit components. Kits which have been frozen must not be used.
* If desiccant in tube bag is not blue, do not use kit; contact CAPE Technologies.
* Do not use test kit components after the expiration date printed on the kit box label.

N.
Quality Assurance
* Samples which appear milky during the first EIA incubation probably contain more oil than can be tolerated by the test. These samples should be diluted or cleaned more, then analyzed again by EIA.
* Response values for 2,3,7,8-TCDD standards typically should be in the ranges given in
Table 1.
* If a blue color does not develop in the negative control test tube within 15 minutes after adding the substrate solution, the test is invalid and must be repeated. If the problem persists, contact CAPE Technologies.
* The antibody used in this immunoassay recognizes PCDD/F congeners based on structure, not mass. Therefore, conventional stable isotope labeled internal standards are detected as native material. Typical levels of conventional stable isotope labeled internal standards can not be used with this EIA. Please consult Technical Note TN-001 for recommendations on the use of immunoassay compatible mass labeled internal standards. Contact CAPE Technologies if additional assistance is required regarding these issues. Immunoassay compatible internal standards are available from Wellington Laboratories (Guelph, Ontario, Canada).
* Replication, check samples, standard reference materials, and other QA samples and methods can and should be used with this kit, with the exception of conventional stable isotope labeled internal standards (as noted in the above paragraph). The Starter Kit DF1-ST includes two toluene check samples which should be used to determine if the solvent exchange portion of the sample preparation has been performed properly. Consult Wellington Laboratories to obtain additional QA materials.

O.
References

Additional data related to the CAPE Technologies High Performance Dioxin/Furan Immunoassay Kit are available from CAPE Technologies. Application Notes describe procedures for analysis of a variety of matrices, TEQ levels, and sample preparation methods. Technical Notes provide discussion and recommendations pertaining to important technical issues. Technical References are papers from technical journals or other sources which provide extensive background information about selected topics relevant to the immunoassay analysis of PCDD/Fs. A list of these items is available from CAPE Technologies.


P.
General Limited Warranty

CAPE Technologies, LLC ("CAPE Technologies") warrants the products manufactured by it against defects in materials and workmanship when used in accordance with the applicable instructions for a period not to extend beyond the expiration date printed on the product. CAPE Technologies MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. THERE IS NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The warranty provided herein and the data, specifications and descriptions of CAPE Technologies products appearing in CAPE Technologies' published catalogues and product literature may not be altered except by express written agreement signed by an officer of CAPE Technologies. Representations, oral or written, which are inconsistent with this warranty or such publications are not authorized and if given, should not be relied upon.

In the event of a breach of the foregoing warranty, CAPE Technologies' sole obligation shall be to repair or replace, at its option, any product or part thereof that proves defective in materials or workmanship within the warranty period, provided the customer notifies CAPE Technologies promptly of any such defect. The exclusive remedy provided herein shall not be deemed to have failed of its essential purpose so long as CAPE Technologies is willing and able to repair or replace any nonconforming CAPE Technologies product or part. CAPE Technologies shall not be liable for consequential, incidental, special or any other indirect damages resulting from economic loss or property damage sustained by any customer from the use of its products.

Copyright 1998, CAPE Technologies, LLC.
CAPE Technologies is a trademark of CAPE Technologies, LLC.
Eppendorf, Repeater and Repeater Plus are trademarks of Eppendorf-Netheler-Hinz GmbH.
Drummond is a trademark of Drummond Scientific Co.
Artel is a trademark of Artel, Inc.
Microsoft and Excel are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.


../logo.jpg%20(3883%20bytes) Phone - (207) 741-2995
Fax - (207) 741-2996
Email - cape-tech@ceemaine.org
Copyright ©1998 CAPE Technologies L.L.C. All rights reserved.