Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF)

Pathology category

Cellular pathology

Test information

Direct immunoflourescence technique for the demonstraition of deposition of immunoglobulins, fibrin and complement in skin. The direct immunoflourcescent method uses a single antibody directed against the target of interest (known as a primary antibody). The antibody is directly conjugated to a flourphore. The pattern of deposition with these conjugates can help in the diagnosis of bullous disorders.

Immunohistochemical studies of skin provide a valuble supplement to clinical and histological examination.

Code

Referral code

Request form

All orders to be submitted using ICE

Guidelines

Please place the specimen into special transport media (fixative), where the biopsy cannot be snap frozen at the time of taking the biopsy for immunofluorescence studies and send directly to the WRH laboratory.

Pre-analytical

Place in specimen into special transport media.

Any materials used in taking these samples must be discarded in an approved clinical waste and/or sharps container.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

Special transport medium are available from the WRH laboratory(01905 760199).

Special requirements

The biopsy site depends on the condition suspected. In dermatoses where cellular infiltrate is the primary interest, active and indurated lesions should be biopsied. In the mojority of bullous disorders, biopsies should incorporate part of the blister with peri-lesional-skin. In Dermatitis Herpetiformis where lesional skin shows no deposition, only peri-lesional or uninvolved skin should be taken.

Minimum volume

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

10 days

TAT Inpatient

10 days

TAT GP/Outpatient

10 days

Referral lab

St Johns Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas's Hospital London