The distribution-free resampling (DFR) method has been specifically developed for response definition in Elispot.
It takes the peculiarities of Elispot data into account which are:
- Limited data points (hence no assumption about the data distribution can be made)
- Variability
- Possible high background reactivity
Important reference:
Z Moodie*, L Price*, C Gouttefangeas, A Mander, S Janetzki, M Lower, MJ Welters, C Ottensmeier, SH van der Burg, CM Britten. Response definition criteria for ELISpot assays revisited. Cancer Immunol Immunother, 59(10):1489-501, 2010. *shared first authorship
An online tool exists to run the DFR yourself. Please follow the instructions including the required data format given there. The page is hosted by Fred Hutch (Institute Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention (SCHARP).