Immunofluorescence In Clinical Immunology

Immunofluorescence, a suitable laboratory method for the microscopic demonstration of antigens and antibodies in biological materials, useable, for example, to provide evidence for the pathogenesis of disease in histological or cytological preparations and for tumour cell differentiation. For this reason immunofluorescence has a decisive role as the method of choice for the diagnosis of auto-immune diseases. This primer on immunofluorescence techniques, which first appeared in 1979, is a richly illustrated handbook suitable for everyday practical work in the laboratory, useable as both an introduction to the subject as well as an atlas. In hardly any other area of medicine are there so many new findings to report. The second edition of this book is concerned not only with the detection methods which now form an essential and established part of diagnostic techniques, but also with the most recent research results such as the discovery of antibodies against Auerbach's plexus and against podocytes...

This book discusses in detail various serological tests that are used to identify medical conditions and diseases, from a general overview of each test to the equipment and steps needed to carry them out. The book is aimed specifically at immunology students and professionals who may occasionally need to use these tests, and thus lack training and experience in performing them. The book provides a brief overview of the immune system, including antibodies, antigens, and their interactions. The bulk of the book is comprised of 16 chapters that each explain different serological tests. These chapters start with a general introduction of the test or disease being detected, followed by the test principle, reagents required for the test, procedures and steps to perform the test, and, finally, result interpretation. Both test principles and result interpretation segments include illustrations to aid comprehension. In addition, the book also enables the reader to distinguish between positive and negative results in serological testing.

Introducing clinical immunology, this text offers detailed instruction in immunobiology, lab methods and clinical serology, and is divided into three sections, covering the whole scope of clinical immunology. Coverage includes: immune reactions by the human host in response to a challenge; fundamental mechanisms of the immune system; antigens and antibodies and their interaction in serologic testing; the principles of "in vitro" serologic reactions and the sources of error and quality control in testing; and immunologic diseases in which measurement of an immune product or reaction is a significant tool for diagnosing or monitoring the disease. Features new to this edition include: chapter outlines; learning objectives; colour plates; review questions; and case studies. New chapters highlight: nucleic acid probes and blotting techniques; spriochetal infection and serology; Burrelia Burgdorfei infections and serology; and transplantations.

Immunology gives the new biomedical scientist an insight into the function of the immune system, the front line of defence against pathological disease, and the diagnostic techniques used to identify associated malfunctions and disorders.