Background

Formerly part of the Natal Institute of Immunology (NII), a division of the Natal Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) for more than 30 years, the Biotechnology unit was originally established as a research unit of NBTS.

In April 2000 the newly defined NBI Biotechnology Division, combining the Immunochemistry and ELISA Production Units, was incorporated into the NBI.

Biotechnology Products and Services Profile

NBI Biotechnology's Monoclonal Antibody laboratory produces high affinity mouse monoclonal antibodies suitable for use in either ELISA or Immuno-chromatographic tests, for the detection of infectious diseases. We can also offer custom production of monoclonal antibodies.

The NBI Biotechnology Molecular Biology laboratory produces recombinant proteins that may be used as immunogens, for the production of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, or as antigens, in diagnostic tests. Recombinant proteins are expressed in either bacteria (E. coli) or in yeast (Saccharomyces).

The NBI Biotechnology has access to a modern mouse colony facility used for the production of ascites for the NBI Biotech's range of Mabs. Access to this facility via the NBI Biotechnology division is also a service we offer our customers. In addition to mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and primates are housed and fully supported by well-equipped laboratories and theatre facilities.

BIOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS

Mab Specificity	Mab Class
HRP II of Plasmodium falciparum	IgG
HRP II of Plasmodium falciparum	IgM
Hepatitis B surface antigen	IgG
Hepatitis B sAg ("d" epitope specific)	IgG
Hepatitis B e-antigen	IgG
Human IgG	IgG
Human IgM	IgG
Human Glycophorin A	IgG
Bovine Glycophorin	IgG
Human alpha fetoprotein	IgG
Human Factor lX	IgG
Human ferritin	IgG
GST (Schistosoma japonicum)	IgG
Treponema pallidum	IgG
Horse radish peroxidase	IgG

How To Contact Us

Telephone: +27 31 719 6514 / 6789
Telefax: +27 31 708 4551 or 708 5614
E-mail: Bubbm@nbi-kzn.org.za

The department also manufactures a Rapidtest^® Rh kit to determine the Rh_o status of patients. This product is ideally suited for use in an antenatal Primary Health Care setting.