What protocol can be used for drying samples for analysis with the Oxytocin and Arg8-Vasopressin ELISA kits?

Samples can be dried using either vacuum centrifugation (e.g., SpeedVac) or under a gentle stream of nitrogen or argon. For large number of samples, vacuum centrifugation method is suggested. Samples can be left overnight in a SpeedVac at room temperature. They should be dry the following day and their integrity is not compromised as it keeps them from exposure to the environment while under vacuum.

 

Drying under a gentle stream of nitrogen may require attaching a glass pipette to the end of the gas supply and suspending the pipette right down the inside of your test tube containing the sample. If this method is preferred, it is advised to practice first on tubes containing petroleum ether only in order to measure how long the process would take.

Leaving samples under the hood to dry is NOT recommended. The samples would be exposed to oxidation and trace amounts of remaining solvents can affect the EIA.