USE PRINCIPLES
The Microcystin Plate Kit uses a polyclonal antibody that binds both Microcystins and a Microcystin-enzyme conjugate. Microcystins in the sample compete with the Microcystin enzyme conjugate for a limited number of antibody binding sites. In the assay procedure you will:

•   Add Microcystin-enzyme conjugate and calibrator or a sample containing Microcystins to a test well, followed by antibody solution. The conjugate competes with any Microcystins in the sample for the same antibody binding sites. The test well is coated with anti-rabbit IgG to capture the rabbit anti-Microcystin added.
•   Wash away any unbound molecules, after you incubate this mixture for 30 minutes.
•   Add colorless substrate solution to each well. In the presence of bound Microcystin-enzyme conjugate, the substrate is converted to a blue compound. One enzyme molecule can convert many substrate molecules.

Since the same number of antibody binding sites are available in every well, and each well receives the same number of Microcystin-enzyme conjugate molecules, a sample containing a low concentration of Microcystins allows the antibody to bind to many Microcystin-enzyme conjugate molecules. The result is a dark blue solution. Conversely, a high concentration of Microcystins allows fewer Microcystin-enzyme conjugate molecules to be bound by the antibodies, resulting in a lighter blue solution.

NOTE: Color is inversely proportional to Microcystin concentration.
Darker color = Lower concentration
Lighter color = Higher concentration

PRECAUTIONS
•   Store all kit components at 4°C to 8°C (39°F to 46°F) when not in use.
•   Each reagent is optimized for use in the Microcystin Plate Kit. Do not substitute reagents from any other manufacturer into the test kit. Do not combine reagents from other Microcystin Plate Kits with different lot numbers.
•   Dilution or adulteration of reagents or samples not called for in the procedure may result in inaccurate results.
•   Do not use reagents after expiration date.
•   Reagents should be brought to room temperature (RT), 20 to 28ºC (68 to 82ºF) prior to use. Avoid prolonged (> 24 hours) storage at room temperature.
•   Microcystin is a toxin and should be treated with care.
•   The Stop Solution is 1N hydrochloric acid, which is corrosive and an irritant. Avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes. Immediately clean up any spills and wash area with copious amounts of water. If contact should occur, immediately flush with copious amounts of water.
•   Precise transfer of samples and reagents by using an appropriate and calibrated pipette is critical to obtain proper assay results. Please pipette carefully.
•   If running more than two strips at once, the use of a multichannel pipette is required.