Preliminary clinical studies of C-reactive protein quantified by enzyme-linked immunoassay

We have used an enzyme-linked immunoassay technique to quantify human C-reactive protein (CRP). In this assay phosphorylethanolamine is covalently linked to polystyrene wells. Serum or plasma specimens are diluted 961-fold and assayed. After Ca2+-dependent binding of CRP to the plates, the complex is reacted with peroxidase-labeled anti-CRP antibody. The response varies linearly with CRP concentrations between 10 and 160 mg/L; the detection limit is 0.34 ng per well. The results correlate well (r greater than or equal to 0.90) with those of rate nephelometry. This new method can be automated, is not subject to interferences or cross reactivity, is highly reproducible, has low background values, and can be carried out at room temperature.