Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE)should be reserved for anomalous proteins that are difficult to characterize by immunoelectrophoresis (IEP).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

IEP is technically simpler and less subject to antigen excess phenomenon than IFE.If IFE high concentrations of monoclonal protein give no visible reactions,IEP is considered to be a better technique for typing large monoclonal gammopathies.IFE can be optimized to give greater sensitivity and higher resolution than IEP.IFE should be reserved for anomalous proteins,which are difficult to characterize by IEP.These include small bands,such as those exhibited in the early stages of monoclonal gammopathies or light chain disease,and any multiple,closely spaced bands.IFE is easier to interpret than IEP because interpretation is based on examination of a precipitate pattern directly analogous to routine electrophoresis;IFE does not depend on detecting slight deviations in the shape of a precipitin arc.

Immunofixation Electrophoresis (IFE)should Be Reserved for Anomalous Proteins That Are