Described herein are methods for isolating and purifying antibodies from a sample matrix. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to viral reduction/inactivation of samples generated in the various steps of antibody purification. In a particular aspect, methods herein employ an acidification step followed by one or more chromatography steps. The chromatography steps can include one or more of the following chromatographic procedures: ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.