Immunodiffusion; not elsewhere specified
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Immunodiffusion; not elsewhere specified
Common Name(s): Immunodiffusion
Technical Terms: Ouchterlony double diffusion assay, Radial immunodiffusion
Summary
Immunodiffusion is a laboratory technique used to measure and analyze antigen-antibody interactions by observing patterns formed as the substances diffuse through a gel.
Purpose
Medical Conditions Addressed:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infectious diseases
- Protein deficiencies
Goals/Expected Outcomes:
- Identification of specific antibodies or antigens in a sample
- Evaluation of immune responses
- Diagnostic clarification of certain diseases
Indications
Specific Symptoms or Conditions:
- Unexplained infections
- Suspected autoimmune disorders
Protein deficiencies
Patient Criteria:
- Presence of symptoms indicating immune system abnormalities
- Clinical suspicion based on medical history and physical examination
Preparation
Pre-procedure Instructions:
- No special preparation required for the patient
Diagnostic Tests or Assessments:
- Blood sample collection may be required for the procedure
Procedure Description
The procedure involves placing antigens and antibodies in separate wells within a gel matrix. As they diffuse towards each other, they form a precipitin line where they meet if they are specific to each other.
Tools, Equipment, Technology:
- Agar or agarose gel plates
- Micro-pipettes
- Antigen and antibody solutions
Anesthesia or Sedation:
- Not applicable
Duration
Typically, the immunodiffusion procedure itself takes a few hours; however, complete results may take 24 to 48 hours as diffusion occurs.
Setting
This procedure is usually performed in a laboratory setting.
Personnel
- Laboratory technicians
- Clinical pathologists
Risks and Complications
Common Risks:
- Minimal risk as it involves only handling of samples
Rare Risks:
- Potential for sample contamination leading to inaccurate results
Management of Complications:
- Follow strict laboratory protocols to prevent contamination
Benefits
Expected Benefits:
- Accurate identification and quantification of antigens or antibodies
- Better diagnosis of immune-related conditions
Realization Timeframe:
- Results are usually available within 1-2 days
Recovery
Post-procedure Care:
- No specific care required post-procedure
Expected Recovery Time:
- Not applicable as it is a laboratory test
Restrictions or Follow-up:
- No restrictions; follow-up depends on test results
Alternatives
Other Treatment Options:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- Western Blotting
Pros and Cons of Alternatives:
- ELISA: More quantitative, but requires more sophisticated equipment
- Western Blotting: Highly specific, but more complex and time-consuming
Patient Experience
During the Procedure:
- Not applicable since no patient involvement is required beyond sample collection
After the Procedure:
- Minimal discomfort if a blood sample is taken
- No pain associated with the immunodiffusion process directly