is branch of immunology that traditionally deals with in vitro diagnostic testing of serum. The ability to detect even minute amounts of target antibodies or antigens, , is an important characteristic of such in vitro tests, as is , or the test’s ability to eliminate reactions with unrelated or distantly related antigens. tests, such as the use of a latex test for strep throat, are an example of accurate in vitro serological tests, which produce antibody-mediated cell clumping that can be visualized for positive identification of microbial infection. In contrast, reactions, such as serotyping for species identification, produce insoluble antibody-antigen complexes in vitro that can be visualized for positive identification of a microbial infection.

The branch of immunology that deals with the in vitro testing of serum is referred to as .

The property of immunological testing that allows focus on a certain antibody and antigen without cross reaction is called .

Preliminary diagnoses of patients, as well as the stage and site of infection, affect how and when a representative sample is obtained for microbiological analysis.Select all of the following that are correct about the proper collection and handling of patient specimens.SELECT ALL THAT APPLYHandwashing and glove use are optional when collecting patient specimens, since they already contain bacteria.The type of pathogen is irrelevant to the collection and transport process, as all specimens are treated identically until they reach the lab.Transport medium is only required for urine samples and not for other patient specimens.Throat swabs for suspected strep throat can touch the tongue while it is being withdrawn from the throat.Clinical samples must be collected and transported aseptically to prevent contamination.Samples must be collected using sterile swabs and containers.

Which direct immunologic method can be used to determine the presence of a specific microbe in a specimen?Multiple choice question.Acid-fast stainKirby-Bauer testPolymerase chain reactionDirect fluorescence antigen testGram stain

Why are immunological diagnostic tools a better choice than biochemical tools in identifying a variety of cellular as well as viral pathogens?ANSWERImmunologic diagnostics provide fast results, usually within 24 to 48 hours.Both immunologic and biochemical tools are routinely used to identify a variety of cellular as well as viral pathogens.Immunologic diagnostics can identify noncellular pathogens like viruses that lack their own biochemical processes.Immunological tests are quick culturing methods for infectious agents.