In radial immunodiffusion, calibrators of known concentration are analyzed along with the patient sample to allow for the quantification of antigens as illustrated in Figure 7-9 in your text book.Suppose the diameter of the precipitation ring for the highest calibrator was less than the diameter for the next highest calibrator.Which of the following statements describes the likely cause for this problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The concentration of the highest calibrator being greater than the concentration of the antibody in the gel would lead to an excess of antigen over antibody, resulting in a smaller precipitation ring due to the antigen-antibody complexes being formed in suboptimal proportions. This phenomenon is known as the prozone effect, where high concentrations of antigen can lead to underestimation of the antigen amount because of insufficient antibody to form visible complexes throughout.

In Radial Immunodiffusion, Calibrators of Known Concentration Are Analyzed Along