Indirect immunofluorescence – gold standard for the serological diagnosis of autoimmune diseases
One substrate (HEp-2) – screening for 100 different autoantibodies
- Eine Methode – 1000 verschiedene Testparameter: Autoantikörper-Diagnostik mit BIOCHIP-Mosaiken
Indirect immunofluorescence is considered the standard technique for detection of autoantibodies. It offers unique advantages:
Simplest preparation of test substrates: Frozen tissue sections, cell cultures and cell smears can be produced without extensive technical effort. Antigens do not need to be extracted or coupled to surfaces using sophisticated biochemical procedures.
One substrate – screening for 100 different autoantibodies: With HEp-2 cells or different frozen tissue sections many autoantibodies can be simultaneously investigated with a single test. A negative result excludes the presence of all these antibodies.
One method – 1000 different test parameters: In immunofluorescence the incubation procedure is identical for many parameters and can be very easily standardized. The combination of different substrates in one test field is highly suitable for determining autoantibody profiles (“BIOCHIP-Mosaics”).
High specificity through visual discrimination: Antibodies are localized morphologically in exactly the same spots as their corresponding antigens. For every antibody there is a characteristic fluorescence pattern. In contrast, many antibodies cannot be differentiated by histochemical enzyme immunostaining, since the coloured product is distributed diffusely and unprecisely around the antigen.
Method of choice – where a defined test antigen is not available: In contrast to ELISA or RIA, with immunofluorescence the complete antigen spectrum of the substrate is available. Therefore, it is possible to investigate autoantibodies directed against as yet unknown antigens or against antigens which cannot yet be isolated. Most currently known autoantibodies were discovered using indirect immunofluorescence!
Indirect immunofluorescence is and remains a state-of-the-art serological technique, which a conscientious clinician cannot do without. It is effectively supplemented by methods such as ELISA, Westernblot, EUROLINE and EUROASSAY.
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