What is Immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) used for?

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Multiple Choice

What is Immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) used for?

Explanation:
Immunoelectrophoresis separates serum proteins by electrophoresis and then uses antibody diffusion to form precipitin lines where antibody and antigen meet. This lets you identify which immunoglobulins are present and in what amounts, typically distinguishing IgM, IgG, and IgA. Clinically, it helps detect abnormal immunoglobulin patterns, such as monoclonal versus polyclonal gammopathies. It’s not used to measure complement activity, it’s not about detecting specific antigens in tissue (that’s immunohistochemistry), and it doesn’t target nuclear proteins.

Immunoelectrophoresis separates serum proteins by electrophoresis and then uses antibody diffusion to form precipitin lines where antibody and antigen meet. This lets you identify which immunoglobulins are present and in what amounts, typically distinguishing IgM, IgG, and IgA. Clinically, it helps detect abnormal immunoglobulin patterns, such as monoclonal versus polyclonal gammopathies. It’s not used to measure complement activity, it’s not about detecting specific antigens in tissue (that’s immunohistochemistry), and it doesn’t target nuclear proteins.

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