1. Assuming that GC-MS indicated the presence of acetaminophen, how does the GC-MS
experimental evidence demonstrate that ELISA is not a confirmatory test for acetaminophen?
Solution
Using the chromatographic techniques of like TLC, HPLC & GC-MS the estimation of
paracetamol is established procedure in analysis.
And the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) test kit is a qualitative one-step kit
developed as a screening device for the detection of drugs as well as respective metabolites in a
test sample.
This kit was just designed for the screening of compounds and is widely used in forensic science.
Furthermore it is recommended that all doubtful samples should be confirmed by gas
chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
The Gas chromatography separates the components of a mixture & the mass spectroscopy
characterizes individual components.
Hence by combining these two techniques, we can analyze both qualitatively & quantitatively
the test sample of any compound. Thus GC-MS experimental evidence demonstrates that ELISA
is not a confirmatory test for acetaminophen. It’s just a qualitative technique.