Frequently asked questions

• General FAQ

• ELISA FAQ

• Antibody and protein FAQ

• Shipping and storage FAQ

General FAQ

• What is the BIOZ badge explaining?

The badge explains some interresting features since it includes not only the rating and snippets from the article, but also includes images and figure legends, which the users can zoom into. This information is updated daily.

• How can I place an order or receive a quotation?

We cooperate with a worldwide network of distributors who can assist you. Click on the find distributor button and you will see your local distributor

• Can I get a discount?

We offer volume discounts starting from 10 units of the same catalog item. We also offer antibodies in larger  bulk sizes starting from 1 mg. In case you would like to receive pricing for a higher volume please contact us or your local distributor

• Is the information in the datasheet and manual up-to-date and correct?

We strive to always provide you with the most up-to-date and correct information available. Please note that the documentation that comes with a product is always leading compared to the product information offered on the website. In case there are any questions on the accuracy or correctness of the information provided in the product information please contact our support team.

• Is the product tested for cross-reactivity?

If relevant and if possible we try to test for cross-reactivity. In case this has been tested we try to mention it in the product information. If you would like to check if a cross-reactivity is tested, please contact us. If you want to determine homology of two proteins, we recommend using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool: BLAST. A higher homology increases the chances of cross-reactivity. However, we can never guarantee cross-reactivity of a product on a species that has not been validated by us.

• What is the shelf life of Hycult Biotech products?

We guarantee at least 6 months shelf life for ELISA kits and at least one year for antibodies, proteins and bioreagents. Please check the product label for the exact expiry date and recommended storage conditions.

• How can I receive a safety data sheet (SDS)?

There is always an SDS available for ELISA kits on our website. Visit the product page of the ELISA kit in question and download the SDS under the “Downloads” section. If an SDS is not available for other products in our range, please send an e-mail to support@hycultbiotech.com and we will make sure to provide you with the requested documentation as soon as possible.

• Does the product contain any preservatives or carriers?

Antibodies and kit components may contain preservatives to ensure long-term stability and preservation. For most products this is BSA and/or sodium azide. Specific information on preservatives and formulations can always be found on the respective CoA-TDS. 

ELISA FAQ

• What curve fitting method is recommended?

Plotting a standard curve can be done using the linear-logarithmic method. We recommend using the Four Parameter Logistic (4PL) regression, which is suitable for creating a standard curve. The curve is constructed by plotting the mean absorbance for each standard on the vertical (Y) axis versis the corresponding concentration on the horizontal (X) axis.

For calculation of the results the straight part of the lin-log curve should be used as this part is the most reliable part of the curve. When the curve is not symmetrical a better fit will be achieved using a 5PL regression. An online resource for curve fitting can be found here  Please verify if the software that comes with the ELISA plate reader is capable of performing linear regressions.

• Can I use kit components from two different batches and combine them in one test?

We do not recommend to mix components of two different lot numbers. Every batch is produced individually and components are optimized. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the results if components are mixed from different lots.

Please notice we test each batch for e.g. inter and intra-variation by two different operators with a lot-specific set of components and with samples with a known concentration. All of this is carried out to ensure that the variation between the different batches in minimized.  

• Are additional kit components available?

When we produce a new batch there may always be excess material avaible. However, these materials are usually limited. When a particular kit component from a particular lot is required, please contact our technical support to see if we are able to assist.

• What sample type is recommended?

The sample types which are tested and supported by Hycult Biotech are mentioned in the manual. If you wish to test another sample type, please to not hesitate to contact our support team for more information.

• The manual does not mention the sample type that I want to use for testing. Can I use them despite this fact?

If you wish to test a new sample type we recommend to run a recovery experiment. In this way, the influence of components in the sample on the detection of the protein can be determined. Add a known amount of standard into both diluted sample and dilution buffer. Run the samples in duplicate in the assay and calculate the recovery with regards to the normal sample.

The test is valid when the recovery percentage is within the range of 80-120%. If the recovery percentage falls outside this range the samples should be further diluted for a reliable detection of the protein.

• Why are the dilutions mentioned in the manual a minimum dilution?

The dilutions mentioned in the manual have been determined as a minimum dilution to prevent any matrix effect. Depending on the sample type, treatment of the sample or patient status a higher dilution might be required.

• Can a plate washer or an automated workstation be used?

Use of a plate washer or automation may result in higher background and a decrease in sensitivity. We always advise to validate the plate washing method or automation by comparing it with the manual procedure.

• What type of material do you recommend when using tubes, etc.?

We strongly recommend the use of polypropylene (PP) tubes. Polypropylene is a commonly used plastic in laboratory equipment as it has demonstrated to be durable and to have a minimal impact on biological activity. Use of other plastics is not recommended given that this may have an impact on the results.

Antibody and protein FAQ

• What is the immunogen used?

The immunogen (either sequence or material used) is sometimes either not known or confidential. In those cases the information on the immunogen is not available. If the information is known and not classified, we include this information in the CoA-TDS. If there is no information in this document, you can always check with the technical support team to verify if there is any information that we can share based on your particular situation.

• Is the antibody available with a particular conjugate or label?

If they are available, you can always find them on the product page of the unlabeled version under the section “You may also be interested in the following product(s)”. We have antibodies conjugated with biotin, FITC and R-PE. If a product is not available with a particular conjugate or label, we can perform a conjugation based on your research needs. Contact our support team to learn more about the possibilities and pricing of these services. Note that we start offering custom products starting from 1 mg onwards.  

• Are Hycult Biotech antibodies and proteins sterile?

All critical production processes such as purification and filling take place under aseptic conditions. Even though we cannot claim complete sterility we strive for the highest standards when it comes to the prevention of contamination and sterility.

• Are Hycult Biotech antibodies and proteins tested for endotoxins?

All antibodies that have a functional application are tested on endotoxins. If a product is tested on endotoxins, this exact concentration will be mentioned on the CoA-TDS when a product is purchased.  

• What is the optimal working dilution?

The optimal working dilution depends on the nature of the product or the detection system applied. It is recommended that users test the reagent and determine their own optimal dilutions. The typical starting working dilution is 1:50 for most of our antibodies.

Shipping and storage FAQ

• The product is shipped under ambient conditions, will this have an impact on the quality of the product?

If a product is shipped under ambient conditions this does not have any influence on the product. Once the products have been received we advise to store them under the recommended storage conditions. There are some exceptions as we do have some products (e.g. complement proteins) that are shipped using dry ice.

• How does Hycult Biotech ship its products?

Hycult Biotech mainly works with FedEx as most shipments are dispatched using FedEx Express. Distributors may decide to work with other freight forwarders depending on preference, local circumstances or geographic conditions. Products are shipped under Ex Works conditions.

• Does Hycult Biotech ship to sanctioned countries?

Hycult Biotech fully complies with international sanctions and trade regulations. If a country is sanctioned, we closely work with government authorities to ensure trade takes place in a legitimate way.

• Do Hycult Biotech products contain hazardous materials as classified in the CLP guidlines?

Hycult Biotech works according to the REACH guideline (directive 1907/2006/EC) that replaces previous legislation on the regulation and classification of chemicals. All products that are classified as hazardous and require labeling have the necessary danger symbols based on the CLP regulation (1272/2008). The harmonized tariff code (HS code) for Hycult Biotech products is 3822.00.

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