Collection and analysis of complex ELISA data using a microcomputer.

A system for automatic Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) data collection and processing is described. Hardware for the system consists of a Dynatech microplate reader and Apple II series microcomputer. Software developed by the authors allows automatic configuration of the reader and direct data input from the microplate reader to the microcomputer. After optical density data is input through the interface, it can be printed out as either optical density values, or as scaled values (from 0 to 9) in a color-coded matrix. Data can be stored and later recalled in either format, allowing several sets of data to be merged into one large, color-coded chart. Results from several different microplates can be combined and sorted in a single printout to expedite interpretation of data.