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The history of ELISA and its enduring role in modern screening workflows

Long before multiplexed arrays or mass spectrometry, researchers were already choosing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for their screening workflows—and many still do.

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First introduced in 1971 by Engvall and Perlmann as a safer, non-radioactive alternative to radioimmunoassays, ELISA brought a new level of sensitivity and specificity to protein quantification1. Its early applications in hormone detection and infectious disease screening laid the groundwork for decades of use across immunology, oncology, and beyond.
Today, despite the rise of newer technologies, ELISA continues to support critical research fields from biomarker validation to clinical diagnostics.
So, what makes this legacy technique still relevant in modern screening workflows?

  
Why ELISA still holds its ground

ELISA remains a trusted method for one key reason: it works. And what sets it apart is its ability to combine four core strengths in a single, dependable format.

While this winning combination has remained steady, the ELISA format has evolved significantly over the decades to meet ever-changing research needs.

 
Updated for modern workflows

ELISA has come a long way since its early hands-on formats, constantly looking to adapt to new workflows and research demands. So, how does this decade-old staple keep reinventing itself?

Key ELISA upgrades
What it does
Where it fits
Ready-to-use reagents
Simplify setup and improve consistency through pre-validated, optimized components.
Support reproducible workflows in biomarker validation and reduce setup time in preclinical assay development.
Pre-coated plates
Save time and reduce variability through ready-to-use, target-specific formats.
Ideal for clinical diagnostics where standardization and speed are key.
High-sensitivity kits
Detect low-abundance targets down to picogram levels.
Crucial for detecting early-stage biomarkers in both preclinical studies and clinical diagnostics.
Multiplex-compatible formats4
Enable simultaneous detection of multiple targets in a single sample with specialized multiplex ELISA platforms.
Essential in preclinical studies and translational research, where sample volume is limited.
Automated plate readers
Reduce manual handling, improve consistency, and streamline readouts.
Mitigate risk and improve both throughput and output quality, crucial in highly regulated settings.
Automation-ready protocols
Designed to work with liquid handlers and robotic systems to support scale-up.
Enable high-throughput biomarker screening in preclinical pipelines and diagnostic platforms.

With updated formats and broader flexibility, ELISA is more capable than ever. Yet,  new platforms like multiplexed arrays and mass spectrometry keep gaining traction in screening workflows.
But with high-impact pipelines at stake, picking the right method is less about what's new and more about what delivers.

When is the right time for ELISA?

ELISA isn’t always the flashiest method in the lab, but in many cases, it’s still the smarter, more practical choice. While newer protein quantification platforms have their own benefits, they often involve substantial investments and time-consuming validation steps, which can drain your budget and slow down your workflows.

Here’s when ELISA might be the better fit for you:

You’re validating biomarkers in preclinical studies
ELISA’s sensitivity and specificity make it a go-to method in early-stage research, especially in fields where detecting subtle protein changes in complex fluids is key to advancing candidates5.
You’re developing or running clinical diagnostics
With a strong track record in regulated environments, ELISA remains the gold standard for diagnostic assays in infectious disease and hormone testing, especially valued for its fit with FDA and EMA requirements6.
You don’t need complex multiplexing
When focusing on a single target, ELISA gives you clear answers without the added complexity of multiplex platforms.
You’re working with a well-characterized target
If validated antibodies for your protein exist, ELISA represents a low-friction way to get reproducible results without reinventing the workflow.
You’re short on time, hands, or budget
With straightforward protocols and validated kits, ELISA allows you to skip heavy investments and lengthy optimization so you can get from sample to data in hours, not weeks5.

Selecting the right method often comes down to your sample type, project stage, and how much complexity your workflow can support. But when time, cost, and clarity matter, ELISA continues to check all the boxes.

    
A legacy built to last

ELISA may have been around for decades, but it’s far from outdated. The history of ELISA is rooted in simplicity, specificity, and reliability—qualities that remain just as valuable today. Its ability to deliver reproducible results with minimal setup continues to make it a go-to method in discovery workflows. Whether validating biomarkers or working within tight timelines and resources, ELISA remains a practical, reliable tool to keep your project on track. And in high-stakes fields that demand clarity and speed, sometimes the most reliable tool is the one that's been earning trust all along.

The complete ELISA guide

Everything you need to know to perform your ELISA experiments in one convenient guide, from types of ELISA through to data analysis tips.
Download guide
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Get more done with our ELISA solutions

Find the right ELISA tools for your workflow, from ready-to-use kits to high-sensitivity formats designed for reliable results across discovery and diagnostics.
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ELISA vs. western blot

Discover how ELISA and Western blot compare across sensitivity, specificity, quantification, and more, so you can choose the best fit for your workflow.
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References

  1. Engvall, E. & Perlmann, P. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantitative assay of immunoglobulin G.  Immunochemistry  8, 871–874 (1971).

  2. Crowther, J. R. The ELISA Guidebook. Vol. 149 (Humana Press, 2000).

  3. Mendoza, L. G.  et al.  High-throughput microarray-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).  BioTechniques  27, 778–788 (1999).

  4. Kingsmore, S. F. Multiplexed protein measurement: technologies and applications of protein and antibody arrays.  Nat. Rev. Drug Discov.  5, 310–320 (2006).

  5. Tighe, P. J., Ryder, R. R., Todd, I. & Fairclough, L. C. ELISA in the multiplex era: potentials and pitfalls.  Proteomics Clin. Appl.  9, 406–422 (2015).

  6. Lequin, R. M. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).  Clin. Chem.  51, 2415–2418 (2005).