Screening techniques

Abstract

Handling 500 to 1000 fast growing B-cell hybrid colonies can be laborious and requires more than one person to maintain. Therefore, the early identification of monoclonal antibodies with the desired specificities is the most critical step in monoclonal antibody (mAb) production. In addition to the rapid identification of hybridomas producing specific mAbs, many screening assays have to be done during the second phase of hybridoma production (i.e., cloning, subcloning, and expansion of the selected antibody-producing hybridomas). The choice of a reliable screening method is extremely important. Before constructing a reliable screening assay, criteria to consider should include sensitivity, speed, cost, throughput, and labor. Therefore, we advise the researcher to carefully examine and validate the potential screening method before fusion. This can be done by using hyperimmunized mouse sera as a source of specific antibodies to establish the screening method.