IFA + Hgb Electrophoresis Flashcards
general principle of IFA
slide with substrate (HEP-2 or MSK) + pt sample with Ab + conjugate + fluorescent label
used in wash step and dilutions
PBS
fluorescent labels
FITC
rhodamine
darkens background
counterstain
major interference with IFA
rheumatoid factor (IgM anti-IgG)
an anti-IgM conjugate binds to RF and causes false pos
camouflages pt IgG, making it look like IgM
resolve RF interference
neutralize/adsorb RF or patient IgG when doing an anti-IgM assay
other interferences with IFA
- light exposure — must be kept in dark when running, as fluorochrome is light-sensitive
- insufficient washing — Ab not bound to slide may remain — false positives
- drying out — need to be kept in a moist chamber while they sit — does not wash as well when dried out, false positives
- reading of samples
reflex for any positive IFA
titer
serial dilution; most often twofold, but may begin with a higher dilution
QC requirement for IFA
positive and negative control on every slide you read (no matter how many wells on a slide)
may dilute out positive control to its endpoint (compare pt to the weakest positive)
sample requirements for IFA
- usually use serum — red top
- generally good for a few days in the refrigerator
- generally good for weeks in the freezer, but no re-freezing (may go back in refrigerator)
HEP-2 substrate used for…
ANA
MSK substrate used for…
- ASMA
- APCA
- AMA
Crithidia lucilliae substrate used for…
anti-nDNA
AMA fluorescence pattern
kidney tubules and parietal cells
cannot determine if an APCA is also present
C. lucilliae fluorescence pattern
kinetoplast (holds DNA); basal body may fluoresce, but not important
speckled + reflex
extractable nuclear antigen by EIA
4 ENA results and significance
- Smith (Sm) —lupus
- Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) —mixed connective tissue disease, lupus
- SSA, SSB —Sjogren’s syndrome A and B