Q: The cells on this IFA slide all appear positive. Is this possible?

A: If all the cells are positive this is likely to be some type of an anti-cellular reaction. The percent positive should be approximately the same as seen with the positive control.

Q: When only two or three cells are seen fluorescing is this a positive?

A: No, the percent of positive cells seen should be at least as high as the number of positive cells seen with the positive control at its endpoint.

Q: Why is the positive control for this IFA kit barely positive at the screening dilution?

A: The positive controls are bottled at the screening dilution and can be titered for an endpoint from this dilution. The control should be used in the first well without further dilution.

Q: Does the EBNA ACIF Kit detect IgG or IgM antibodies?

A: This kit will detect any antibody-antigen reactivity that binds complement. The reaction is visualized using an anti-complement fluorescein conjugate.

Q: In the EBNA ACIF reaction my patients and controls show weak fluorescence what may have happened?

A: Usually if the controls and patient samples show weak fluorescence the complement has been compromised in some manner. The complement must be restored with .5ml of cold distilled water. It should be held in an ice bath during use. Excess undiluted complement should be aliquotted and frozen for future use. Please see the package insert for more detail. Another reason for weak or irregular fluorescence is attributed to letting the slides dry between assay steps.

Q: Why must the patient samples be heat inactivated for this test?

A: This step is necessary to inactivate any complement present in patient serum samples.