INTENDED USE & DESCRIPTION
For use as quantitative controls for the determination of cytokine concentrations in biological fluids. Concentrations have been assigned using R&D Systems’ Quantikine® kits. Controls are prepared in diluted porcine serum with preservatives. They contain recombinant human cytokines at low, medium and high concentrations. Controls are supplied lyophilized.
STORAGE & STABILITY
Unreconstituted Controls should be stored at 2-8 °C and are stable for at least 6 months from date of receipt. Depending on the analyte of interest, reconstituted controls may be stable when stored at
REAGENT PREPARATION
Reconstitute each vial with the volume of deionized or distilled water indicated on the product datasheet.
PROCEDURE & EXPECTED VALUES
Controls should be assayed in the same manner as unknown specimens.
The acceptable ranges for the analytes in these controls are printed on the product datasheet. Due to possible variations in techniques and methodologies, it is recommended that each laboratory determine its own target range. Laboratories using other test systems should establish their own acceptable ranges as these assays may produce different values.
TECHNICAL HINTS & LIMITATIONS OF THE PROCEDURE
• The ranges were determined using R&D Systems’ Quantikine kits. If expected values are not obtained, verify that the lot numbers on the vials correspond with the lot numbers listed above and the correct volume of deionized or distilled water was used for reconstitution of the controls.
• The results obtained with these controls depend upon several factors associated with methods and instrumentation. Test systems other than those supplied by R&D Systems may result in values that differ from those printed on this product datasheet.
alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), is albuminoid superfamily protein that is synthesized in the fetus primarily by the liver, yolk sac, and tissues of gastrointestinal origin. It is one of the earliest markers of the hepatocyte lineage. AFP acts as a carrier protein for steroids, bilirubin, fatty acids, retinoids, and flavonoids. In addition, it can exert immunosuppressive activity, regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis, initiate intracellular signaling, and contribute to cell invasion. Altered levels of both fetal and maternal AFP have been associated with hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorders, and heart defects. Low maternal serum AFP levels are associated with a higher incidence of Down syndrome, whereas higher levels are associated with spina bifida and anencephaly. Elevated AFP levels are also coincident with liver, stomach, and germ cell cancers.
