Screening tests

Definition

Screening tests are preliminary assessments used to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens in a sample. They are crucial for identifying immune responses and guiding further diagnostic testing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Screening tests often use ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) to identify antibody-antigen interactions.
2. These tests can differentiate between polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies based on their specificity and binding properties.
3. Screening tests are typically highly sensitive but may require confirmatory tests due to potential false positives.
4. They play a pivotal role in initial diagnosis of diseases like HIV, where early detection is critical.
5. In laboratory settings, screening tests help determine the effectiveness of vaccines by measuring immune response levels.

Review Questions

• What is the main purpose of screening tests in immunological studies?
• How do screening tests differentiate between polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies?
• Why might a confirmatory test be necessary after an initial screening test?

Related terms

ELISA:

A technique that detects and measures antibodies or antigens in a sample using enzyme-linked reactions.

Polyclonal Antibodies:

Antibodies produced by different B cell lines within the body, recognizing multiple epitopes on an antigen.

Monoclonal Antibodies:

Antibodies derived from a single B cell clone, specific to one epitope on an antigen.