Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)

What sets Benchmark Antibodies apart from other suppliers regarding antibody technology and product offerings?

Benchmark Antibodies focuses on offering highly validated, application-specific antibodies with superior performance and reliable lot-to-lot consistency.

Does Benchmark Antibodies update the data sheets or COAs if there are modifications to an antibody?

Yes, we update data sheets and COAs promptly to reflect any changes in product information or performance data.

What types of antibodies are offered by Benchmark Antibodies, and how can I select the most suitable one?

Benchmark Antibodies offers monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for applications such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Use our online search tool or consult our technical team to find the right antibody for your needs.

Where can I find information on an antibody’s cross-reactivity with other species? How can I confirm if an antibody detects antigens from a different species?

Information on species cross-reactivity is provided in the product data sheets and web pages. If you are uncertain, our technical team can help evaluate the antibody for cross-species use.

Does Benchmark Antibodies offer antibodies designed for use in multiple applications?

Yes, many of our antibodies are validated for multiple applications, such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry.

If I find the same clone ID antibody targeting the same antigen from another supplier, is it the same antibody?

Yes, it is likely the same antibody clone produced from the same parent cell line. Contact our technical team if you have any questions about this or anything else.

Is it possible to request a free sample for testing?

Free samples may be available for certain products. Contact our sales team for eligibility and terms.

Are discounts available for Benchmark Antibodies products?

Yes, discounts may be available for bulk purchases, academic institutions, or promotional events. Contact our team for details.

Can you provide details about the monoclonal antibody epitope? Is the antigen sequence shared?

Epitope information is often provided in the product data sheet. In certain cases or proprietary reasons, the full antigen sequence may not always be shared.

What components are included in your ELISA kits and ELISA pair sets?

Our ELISA kits include pre-coated plates, detection and capture antibodies, standards, and buffers. Pair sets include the capture and detection antibodies along with optimization guidelines.

What is your policy for requesting replacements or refunds for antibody products?

We offer replacements or refunds for defective products. Please contact us within the warranty period with supporting data.

How do I determine the appropriate concentration of primary antibody to use?

Begin with the recommended dilution range provided in the data sheet and optimize as needed for your specific experimental conditions.

How do I identify a suitable positive control for my experiments?

Choose a sample known to express your target protein, or use our product data sheet recommendations for positive controls.

What factors should I consider when choosing an isotype control antibody?

Select an isotype control that matches the host species, subclass, and conjugate of your primary antibody.

What are the best loading controls (internal controls) to use in Western blotting (WB)?

Popular loading controls include actin, tubulin, and GAPDH, which are selected based on the molecular weight range of your target protein. Benchmark Antibodies offers a dedicated subset of products specifically designed for this purpose.

Why might the observed band size differ from the predicted size?

Post-translational modifications, splicing variants, or degradation products can cause size discrepancies. Additionally, the chemical sequence of proteins, including hydrophobic side chains, may influence migration during electrophoresis, as migration is an ionic event and these side chains can alter the protein’s charge and structure, leading to unexpected differences in size.

What antigen retrieval methods are recommended for Benchmark Antibodies’ IHC antibodies?

Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) or enzymatic retrieval methods are commonly recommended, as noted in the product data sheet and in our published protocol.

Can Benchmark Antibodies’ ELISA-validated antibodies be used in “sandwich” ELISA setups?

Yes, antibodies validated for ELISA often work in “sandwich” setups. Check product-specific validation details.

What is trehalose, and why is it included in your antibody formulations? Will it affect my experimental results?

Trehalose is a stabilizing agent that enhances antibody shelf life and does not interfere with experimental outcomes.

Does the buffer for your antibodies contain any preservatives?

Yes, our antibody buffers typically contain preservatives like sodium azide to prevent contamination. Check the data sheet for details.

Why would BSA (bovine serum albumin) be present in the antibody formulation?

BSA is commonly used in antibody formulations as a stabilizer to prevent adsorption of antibodies to the container surface, enhancing antibody stability. It can also help reduce non-specific binding in experiments like Western blotting or ELISA.

How quickly will my order arrive after it is placed?

Most orders are processed within 1–3 business days. Shipping times depend on your location and selected delivery method. Typically, we ship overnight for next-day delivery.

What is the recommended way to store your antibodies for long-term use?

Product-specific details are provided on product datasheets and web pages. However, antibodies are typically stored at 4°C for short-term use and -20°C or -80°C for long-term storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

How should antibodies be aliquoted to preserve their quality?

Divide antibodies into small, single-use aliquots in low-protein-binding tubes and freeze them at -20°C or -80°C.

What is the typical shelf life of Benchmark Antibodies’ products?

The shelf life is usually one year from the date of manufacture. The expiration date of the product batch will be indicated on the product label.