Classifying immunodiffusion assays: Which of the following are immunodiffusion tests used to evaluate antigen–antibody reactions in gels?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Immunodiffusion methods rely on visible precipitin lines formed when antigen and antibody diffuse and meet at equivalence in a gel matrix. They are valuable for identity testing, titer estimation, and some quantitative measurements.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • “Double-diffusion” refers to both antigen and antibody diffusing from separate wells.
  • “Ouchterlony technique” is the standard qualitative double-diffusion assay.
  • “Gel diffusion” is the broader category encompassing both single and double diffusion.



Concept / Approach:
All listed items are indeed immunodiffusion techniques. Ouchterlony is a specific implementation of double-diffusion in agar or agarose, while “gel diffusion” is the umbrella term for these assays.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize Ouchterlony as a form of double-diffusion.Acknowledge that both are subsets of gel diffusion methodologies.Therefore, all listed options are immunodiffusion tests.



Verification / Alternative check:
Laboratory manuals group these methods together, including radial immunodiffusion (single-diffusion) and Ouchterlony (double-diffusion).



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Selecting any single item ignores the overlap and inclusion hierarchy among the terms.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “Ouchterlony” as distinct from double diffusion when it is a representative form of it.



Final Answer:
All of these

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