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Custom Rat Polyclonal Antibody Production Protocols
Immunization and serum-collection procedures for custom rat polyclonal antibody production
Our comprehensive array of custom antibody services includes a customizable option for rat immunization, serum-collection, and titer analysis for rat antibody production, plus extension possibilities.
Highlights
- Custom rat antibodies—a reliable protocol for immunizing rats, collecting serum, testing bleeds, reporting titer results, and delivering antisera
- Full-service integration—combine this immunization service with our complete set of services for antigen preparation and antibody purification
This rat immunization schedule uses two Sprague Dawley rats for each immunogen. Animals are housed individually in separate cages. Injections are subcutaneous (SQ) as emulsions in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) or Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant (IFA); alternative adjuvants can be used upon request.
80-Day 2 Rat Immunization Protocol
Antigen preparation, such as peptide synthesis and/or immunogen conjugation, occurs before Day 0. Protocol days are approximate (± 2 days).
| Procedure | Protocol day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Control serum collection | Day 0 | Pre-immune bleed (~1 mL per rat) |
| Primary injection | Day 1 | Immunize with 100 µg antigen in CFA, SQ 4 sites |
| 1st booster | Day 21 | Boost with 50 µg antigen in IFA, SQ 4 sites |
| 2nd booster | Day 42 | Boost with 50 µg antigen in IFA, SQ 4 sites |
| Test bleed | Day 50 | Test bleed (~1 mL per rat) |
| ELISA and shipping | Day 60 | ELISA titration of pre-immune and test bleed; (results available online) |
| 3rd booster | Day 62 | Boost with 50 µg antigen in IFA, SQ 4 sites |
| Decision | Day 64 | Verify disposition of rats; decide to continue or terminate |
| Instruction due date | Day 80 | Terminal bleed (exsanguination, yielding 2–4 mL per rat) and termination of animals if instructions not received |
Deliverables: 6 vials crude antibody sera
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