immunofluorescence

immunofluorescence [¦im·yə·nō·flə′res·əns]

(immunology)

Fluorescence as the result of, or identifying, an immune response; a specifically stained antigen fluoresces in ultraviolet light and can thus be easily identified with a homologous antigen.

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Immunofluorescence

A technique that uses a fluorochrome to indicate the occurrence of a specific antigen-antibody reaction. The fluorochrome labels either an antigen or an antibody. The labeled reactant is then used to detect the presence of the unlabeled reactant. The use of a labeled reactant (such as an antibody which both detects and indicates the antigen) to reveal the presence of an unlabeled one is termed direct immunofluorescence. The use of a labeled indicator antibody, which reacts with an unlabeled detector antibody that has previously reacted with an antigen, is termed indirect immunofluorescence. Substitution of a light meter for the human eye permits a quantitative measurement in immunofluorometry. See Immunoassay