Question

applications of immunofixation

Answer 1

Immunofixation permits the detection and typing of monoclonal antibodies or immunoglobulins in serum or urine. It is of great importance for the diagnosis and monitoring of certain blood related diseases such as myeloma.

The method detects by precipitation: when a soluble antigen (Ag) is brought in contact with the corresponding antibody, precipitation occurs, which may be visible with the naked eye or microscope.[citation needed]

Immunofixation identifies antibodies in a mixture as a function of their specific electrophoretic mobility. For the purpose of identification, antigens are used that are specific for the targeted antibody.

Specifically, immunofixation allows the detection of monoclonal antibodies representative of diseases such as myeloma or Waldenström macroglobulinemia.