Center for Disease Control Diagnostic Immunology Proficiency Testing Program results for 1977

Abstract

A summary of the yearly data accumulated and analyzed in the diagnostic immunology portion of the Center for Disease Control 1977 Proficiency Testing Program provides information on the trends in testing protocols from over 900 participating laboratories. One hundred and fourteen specimens prepared by the Center for the Disease Control were distributed quarterly or in special surveys. The specimens chosen provided feedback from a broad range of tests commonly performed in diagnostic immunology laboratories and included those for rubella antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen, bacterial antibodies, rheumatoid factor, immunoglobulins and other serum-specific proteins, syphilis serology, and carcinoembryonic antigen. This summary provides an overview of the trends observed since last year's report.

Clinical Diagnostic Immunology in A Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

“…The presence of the enzyme-linked molecule is detected by means of the enzyme substrate and can be measured by spectrophotometry. 26 Either the labelled antigen or the antibody can be attached to an insoluble support, such as plastic beads, or plastic agglutination plates. After the material has attached and the excess has been washed away, enzyme-linked antigen or antibody is added, together with the test substance.…”

“…The fluorescent method at present can be used to supplement rather than replace conventional clinical diagnostic methods. 26 Other types of labelled antibody test have been developed on the same principles as the fluorescent methods. 27…”