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Immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy is a form of immunohistochemistry based on the use of fluorophores to visualize the location of antigen bound by tagged antibodies. This technique allows for the visualization of not only protein expression but also localization of the antigen in the cellular or intracellular levels. This is a high specificity and high accuracy rapid tool. Direct, rather than indirect, IF is commonly utilized.
In the laboratory, through the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, IF is routinely employed in the diagnosis of medical kidney diseases as it is especially helpful in elucidating the various forms of glomerulonephritis which, in turn, aids in understanding the immunological mechanisms involved in this disease.
IF methods also aid in the understanding of the immunopathology of various dermatological diseases including vesiculobullous, autoimmune, and connective tissue disorders. The detection of the presence of specific antibodies can help the pathologist and clinician in determining the use of further testing for circulating autoantibodies as they work together for a final diagnosis and management of the patient.
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