The challenges with the validation of research antibodies

F1000Res. 2017 Feb 17:6:161. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.10851.1. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

This article further discusses the reproducibility crisis in biomedical science and how poor conduct of commercial antibodies contribute to this. In addition, the way quality data are presented on product sheets by antibody vendors is scrutinized. The article proposes that there is a distinction between testing data and validation data, and special attention is asked for consistency between batches and aliquots. Moreover, the article separates the specifics, such as formulation, antigen and price, from the specifics on performance. Finally, a two-tier approach is discussed, enabling scientists to anticipate how an antibody is likely to perform when repeated purchases are required.

Keywords: Antibodies; conformance; reproducibility; validation.

Grants and funding

The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work.