Is there a method to decontaminate the plate when using infectious agents?
In case cells in the transparent polystrene-bottomed ELISPOT plate are contaminated with infectious agents such as enveloped viruses (e.g. HIV, SIV), the wells can be decontaminated after the preferred incubation time by first removing the cells from the well, adding 100 l 1% Triton X-100 and then to led it stand for 30 minutes at room temperature. Thereafter wells can be safely washed as usual. When PVDF membrane-bottomed ELISPOT plates are used, they can be decontaminated after the preferred cell incubation time by first removing the cells from the well, washing 5 times with PBS, adding 200 l 4% Paraformaldehyde and then to led it stand for 5 minutes (max) at room temperature. Thereafter wells can be safely washed as usual. These procedures may lead to a slightly higher background staining but has no adverse effect on spot number and size.
