Mouse Monoclonal Anti-HBs and Its Use in the Screening of Donated Blood by Elisa

Abstract
A method is described for the production of mouse monoclonal antibodies to HBsAg [hepatitis B surface antigen]. Four clones produced antibodies directed at the a and 1 at the d determinant of HBsAg. These antibodies were conjugated to horseradish peroxidase and used in ELISA [enzyne-linked immunosorbent assay] for the detection of HBsAg in donated blood. Antibody C10 produced conjugate which rendered the ELISA as sensitive as a commercially obtainable immunoradiometric assay with which it was compared. Conditions for this assay were optimized and it may be used as a rapid (1 h) test for detecting HBsAg-positive blood. It is practicable to read this ELISA by eye instead of photometrically and it can be thus used under field conditions or in emergencies.