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Immunofluorescence is often used to detect the presence and amount of antinuclear antibody (ANA). These are antibodies that the body makes against itself in some autoimmune diseases like SLE. The presence of these antibodies aid in the diagnosis and management of these diseases.
The test may also be used to detect and measure the quantity of antibodies against microorganisms such as Coxiella burnetii, rickettsia or Colorado tick virus. A positive result in this case indicates that the body's immune system has seen the pathogen at some point in the past. Variations on this test can be used to better define the timing of the past exposure.
This test may also be used to identify various microorganisms in fresh samples or after culturing them in the laboratory. In this case, antibodies that are known to be specific for particular pathogens are used on infected cells. This test is also known as a direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test.
Additional diseases for which the test may be performed:
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