Fluorescent antibody (FA) techniques

Definition

Fluorescent antibody (FA) techniques are laboratory methods used to detect specific antigens or antibodies by tagging them with a fluorescent dye. These techniques are widely used in immunology to visualize and identify cellular components under a fluorescence microscope.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FA techniques can be direct or indirect; direct FA involves labeling the primary antibody, while indirect FA uses a secondary antibody that binds to the primary antibody.
2. Fluorescent dyes commonly used include fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and rhodamine.
3. These techniques are highly specific due to the antigen-antibody binding, allowing for precise identification of pathogens or immune cells.
4. Indirect FA technique often provides stronger fluorescence signal due to multiple secondary antibodies binding to each primary antibody.
5. FA techniques are crucial for diagnosing infectious diseases and identifying various immune responses within tissues.

Review Questions

Related terms

Immunofluorescence:

A technique combining immunology and fluorescence microscopy to detect antigens in cells.

Antigen-Antibody Reaction: A fundamental reaction where an antibody binds specifically to its corresponding antigen.

Monoclonal Antibodies:

Antibodies produced from a single clone of cells, ensuring specificity and uniformity in target detection.