Double immunodiffusion

Definition

Double immunodiffusion is a laboratory technique used to detect the presence and interaction of specific antigens and antibodies by allowing them to diffuse through a gel matrix, forming precipitin lines where they meet.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. It is also known as Ouchterlony double diffusion.
2. The technique involves placing antigen and antibody solutions in separate wells cut into an agarose gel.
3. When antigen and antibody diffuse towards each other, they form a visible precipitin line indicating an immune complex.
4. Double immunodiffusion can be used to test for multiple antigens or antibodies simultaneously by using multiple wells.
5. It is often used to identify fungal antigens and diagnose autoimmune diseases.

Review Questions

Related terms

Radial Immunodiffusion: A quantitative method where antigen diffuses radially from a well into an agarose gel containing antibodies.

Immunoelectrophoresis:

A technique combining electrophoresis and immunodiffusion to separate and identify proteins based on their movement in an electric field.

Agglutination Reaction: A reaction where particles (such as cells or beads) clump together due to antigen-antibody interactions, often used for blood typing.