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Immunoassay
Immunoassay Detection and assay of substances by serological (immunological) methods; in most applications the substance in question serves as antigen, both in antibody production and in measurement of antibody by the test substance.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Assay
An assay is an analysis done to determine: 1. The presence of a substance and the amount of that substance. Thus, an assay may be done for example to determine the level of thyroid hormones in the blood of a person suspected of being hypothyroid (or hyperthyroid). 2. The biological or pharmacological potency of a drug. For example, an assay may be done of a vaccine to determine its potency.
Antigen
A substance which, when present in animal tissue, stimulates the production of antibodies
Antibody
An infection-fighting protein molecule in blood or secretory fluids that tags, neutralizes, and helps destroy pathogenic microorganisms (eg, bacteria, viruses) or toxins. Antibodies, known generally as immunoglobulins, are made and secreted by B-lymphocytes in response to stimulation by antigens. Each specific antibody binds only to the specific antigen that stimulated its production.
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Immune
Resistant to a particular disease.
Immune adherence
The adherence of particulate antigen coated with C3b to tissue having cells with C3b receptors.
Immune complex
Antigen bound to antibody.
Immune modulators
Substances that control the expression of the immune response.
Immune response (Ir) gene
A gene controlling an immune response to a particular antigen; most genes of this type are in the MHC (major histocompatibility complex), and the term is rarely used to describe other types of Ir genes outside the MHC.
Immune System
The body's natural defense system which produces antibodies to fight against foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, and cancers.
Immunity
When a body's immune system helps fend off disease.
Immunization
Natural immunity provided by antibodies or induced immunity via inoculations.
Immuno globulin E
Immuno globulin E is the antibody produced in excess in allergic patients. IgE can be measured in a blood sample to determine if a person is allergic. Allergic people usually have high levels of IgE.
Immuno-Augmentative Clinic
The Immuno-Augmentative Clinic is a hospital in Freeport, Freeport, Bahamas.
Immunofluorescence
Technique allowing the visualisation of a specific protein in cells or tissue sections (prepared from a biopsy) by binding a specific antibody conjugated to a fluorescent substrate.
Immunogen
A substance capable of inducing an immune response (as well as reacting with the products of an immune response). Compare with antigen.
Immunoglobulin
A serum protein involved in immunity. An antibody.
Immunoglobulin (Ig)
A general term for all antibody molecules. Each Ig unit is made up of two heavy chains and two light chains and has two antigen- binding sites.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
A type of antibody, formed to protect the body from infection, which attaches to mast cells in the respiratory and intestinal tracts and may cause allergic rhinitis, asthma, or eczema.
Immunoglobulins
Antibodies or proteins found in blood and tissue fluids produced by cells of the immune system to bind to substances in the body that are recognized as foreign antigens. Immunoglobulins sometimes bind to antigens that are not necessarily a threat to health and provoke an allergic reaction.
Immunohistochemical staining
A laboratory process of detecting an organism in tissues with antibodies. These antibodies are labeled with a compound that is seen as a colored deposit when viewed microscopically. In general, mesotheliomas require immunohistochemical confirmation before legal measures are initiated.
Immunology
The study of the body's natural defense system.
Immunosuppresive medications
Medications that suppress the body's immune system, used to minimize rejection of transplanted organs.
Immunosuppression
The artificial suppression of the immune response, usually through drugs, so that the body will not reject a transplanted organ or tissue. Drugs commonly used to suppress the immune system after transplant include prednisone, azathioprine (Imuran), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), and cyclosporine (Neoral).
Immunotherapy
Stimulating the body's natural defense system to attack and destroy cancers.
Immutable
Long-lasting and unchangeable.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Intrathecal
Injection into the sub-arachnoid space of the meninges. Usually done by lumbar puncture.
Intratumoral
Injection into a tumor (usually performed during surgery).
Intraventricular
Injection into a ventricle.
Irradiation
Treatment by ionizing radiation, such as x-rays, or radioactive sources such as radioactive iodine seeds. See radiation therapy.
Intern
A medical doctor who has completed medical school and is in the first year of additional training.
Immunoassay
Impairment
A defect in organ function or whole body system, which may be temporary or permanent (eg. hemiplegia).
Inclusion criteria
The criteria that prospective subjects must meet to be eligible for participation in a study. See also exclusion criteria, admission criteria.
Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC)
An independent committee that may be established by the study investigators to assess at intervals the progress of a ongoing blinded clinical trial, the safety data, and the critical efficacy endpoints, and to recommend whether to continue, modify or stop a trial. See also Data and Safety Monitoring Board, Monitoring Committee, Data Monitoring.
Institution (medical)
Any public or private entity or agency or medical or dental facility where clinical trials are conducted.
Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)
Activities that are essential if a person is to live independently, eg. use of a telephone or public transportation, housework, cooking, financial management. See also activities of daily living (ADLs).
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