Background: Clinical samples from 78 patients.
Problem 1: Replicating the ELISA experiment would use up the limited sample.
Problem 2: Need to address the issue of reproducibility, thus, instead of performing a 2nd replicate...I feel the remaining samples would be better used in another supporting assay that supports the ELISA results.
Question: Would this be categorized as REPRODUCIBLE data?
Considering that you are measuring sera from patients I would say is a descriptive study. For these cases it is recommended to measure samples at least in duplicate, preferably in the same plate. As long as your standards (which should be run in duplicate, too) are within the range of normal, all your sample results will be valid.
What Md. Areeful Haque mentions applies to experimental studies (in vitro or in vivo) and is a "must to" considering you are determining the effect of a putative therapeutic agent. In these cases 3 assay repetitions must be made to be able to apply statistics.
As for your concern about limited samples try doing dilutions. Since you already have results you can assess a proper dilution factor. Take your previously obtained concentrations, the range of the assay (max and min standards) and the amount of sample required. This in case you repeat the ELISA.
Best regards!
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