lecture 9 - immunodiagnostics

Question 1

What is an agglutination test for antibodies?

Answer 1

A test that has a substance that will coat antibodies and cause them to stick together if present

Question 2

How is immunofluorescence used diagnostically?

Answer 2

Detects antigens or antibodies, by having fluorescent molecules that will bind if they are present

Question 3

What type of hypersensitivity is measured with patch testing for allergies?

Answer 3

Type IV hypersensitivity (delayed)

Question 4

How are antibodies used to determine how recently an infection began?

Answer 4

IgM and IgG can be used, as IgM is the first antibody and peaks earlier, while IgG is present in the later stages of infection

Question 5

What does a high level of IgM suggest about the timeframe of an infection?

Answer 5

Infection occurred recently

Question 6

What does a high level of IgG suggest about the timeframe of an infection?

Answer 6

Infection occurred less recently

Question 7

What is the purpose of an ELISA test?

Answer 7

Detects the presence of microbial antigens or host antigens by adding an antibody designed to interact with them.

Question 8

How are ELISA tests conducted?

Answer 8

An enzyme-conjugated antibody is added to a sample and will bind to the relevant antigen/antibody if present. A substrate is added to change the colour so that concentrations can be ascertained via spectrometry