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.

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.

Immunofluorescence is a key diagnostic tool in dermatopathology, and essential in the diagnosis of connective tissue diseases, vasculitis and other cutaneous disorders. The need to interpret the results of immunofluorescence testing, and correlate these with histopathological results, is a key skill required not just of dermatopathologists but also, increasingly, of dermatologists who either read the slides themselves or use a pathology lab or academic referral centre. Handbook of Direct Immunofluorescence covers not only day-to-day findings but also less common patterns and rarities, and gives information on important diagnostic pitfalls. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific disease and is introduced by concise text that describes the clinical presentation and pathogenesis: then, multiple images show the range of histopathological and immunofluorescence findings associated with the disease in question. Key points Practical, clinically oriented coverage provides invaluable resource for dermato-, oral and general pathologists, as well as dermatologists Includes invaluable information on technical aspects (specimen procurement, transportation, etc) as well as guidance on interpreting histopathological and immunofluorescence findings Pattern-based approach serves as logical framework for reaching a diagnosis, as well as understanding when to order additional tests and how to recognise nonspecific findings