Immunology

IMMUNOLOGY - Diagnostic utility of the Kappa Index in Multiple Sclerosis

Today there are still no optimal biomarkers to identify all those affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Numerous studies show that the quantitative analysis of kappa free chains can be of great help in predicting Isolated Neurological Syndrome, which is usually the first clinical outbreak that leads to the diagnosis of MS. In our laboratory, in addition to the kappa light chains in CSF and serum, we also have the determination of the Kappa Index.

IMMUNOLOGY - Microarray-specific IgE Detection.

Since July, we have in Catlab a Microarray to detect specific IgE. It is a miniaturized solid phase immunoassay based on modern biochip technology, where the allergic components are immobilized in a microarray. This modern technology allows the simultaneous measurement of IgE antibodies against a fixed panel of 112 components of more than 50 allergic sources (food, pollen, latex, epithelia ...), using only 30 μl of serum or plasma.

IMMUNOLOGY - Review of Prenatal Screening in Catlab

Since September 2015, the first-trimester prenatal screening for Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome, is done with a new method and a new calculation program. A comparative between the previous program Lifecycle Perkin Elmer and the new Ssdwlab6 Roche was made satisfactorily. And minimum requirements for imprecision and inaccuracy for biochemical markers were established with the new method of electrochemiluminescence with optimum results.

IMMUNOLOGY - Fecal calprotectin as a marker of inflammatory bowel disease

The clinical suspicion of organic bowel disease motivates a diagnostic colonoscopy that generates a high rate of false positives, because the markers are not very specific. Next january, in Catlab, we will do Fecal Calprotectin (FCP), a protein found in the cytoplasm of neutrophils and in the membrane of activated monocytes and macrophages. The FCP is reliable in discriminating patients likely to suffer inflammatory bowel disease, and to detect endoscopic inflammatory activity. It is also useful to monitor response to treatment and predict the risk of recurrence.

IMMUNOLOGY - Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). A step towards standardization

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are present in the serum of patients with autoimmune diseases. In Catlab the ANA is performed with the technique of indirect immunofluorescence (IFI). The main disadvantage of the IFI, is the difficult to standardize methodology and the high degree of subjectivity. Catlab has incorporated the GSIGHT®, an analyzer that enables automated reading of the ANA. It increases sensitivity and objectivity of the technique.

IMMUNOLOGY - Identification and utility of onconeuronal antibodies

Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome (SNPN) is an heterogeneous group of neurological disorders that present some of the cancer patients. Developing the autoimmune response to tumor antigens affect the nervous system. The SNPN considered preceding forms of cancer, and thus may help predict a hidden cancer.

IMMUNOLOGY - New in Prenatal Biochemical Screening

To provide information as soon as possible to the gynecologist or midwife, Catlab together with the calculation program provider has developed an application, that allows to enter ecographies data directly into the program and get the IR and inform the pregnant while she is still in the medical office.

IMMUNOLOGY - Change in method Immunofluorescence ANA

New procedure for the determination of ANA by immunofluorescence. Replacing the substrate HEp-2 cells by the new cell line transfected HEp-2000.

IMMUNOLOGY–Tests incorporated in Catlab for the diagnosis of DM type 1. 
Diabetis Mellitus (DM) type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disease. In a secondary immune response, antibodies ICA, anti-GAD, anti-IA2 and anti IAA are generated.

IMMUNOLOGY - Request proteinograms and diagnostic utility

At present, the main and almost unique application of protein electrophoresis study is monoclonal gammopathies them being essential to detect oligo or monoclonal immunoglobulins increases