immunofiksointi

Immunofixation is a laboratory technique used to identify and characterize specific proteins, particularly antibodies, in biological samples. It is a highly sensitive and specific method that builds upon the principles of electrophoresis and immunodiffusion.

The process typically begins with the separation of proteins in a sample, such as serum, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid, using electrophoresis. This separates the proteins based on their size and electrical charge. After electrophoresis, the separated proteins are immobilized on a membrane or gel.

The next crucial step involves applying specific antisera, which are antibodies designed to bind to particular antigens, directly onto the separated protein bands. If the antigen (in this case, a specific protein like an immunoglobulin) is present in the sample and matches the applied antiserum, an antigen-antibody complex will form.

This complex is visible as a precipitation line or band. By using different antisera that target various types of immunoglobulins (e.g., IgG, IgA, IgM, kappa light chains, lambda light chains), clinicians can identify the specific type and subclass of immunoglobulins present and detect any abnormalities.

Immunofixation is particularly valuable in diagnosing and monitoring monoclonal gammopathies, such as multiple myeloma and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, where there is an overproduction of a single type of antibody. It can also be used to detect other abnormal proteins in various medical conditions.