Immunoelectrophoresis
This is one of the most sensitive methods available for the detection of a number of antigenic components in a mixture such as bacterial extract or serum. It is a combination of electrophoresis and gel diffusion. In this procedure, antigenic material is placed in a small well cut in a layer of agar on a microscope slide. It is then subjected to electrophoresis by application of an electric current.
The individual antigenic components migrate through the agar at variable rates. Following electrophoresis, a trough is cut in the gel, parallel to the electrophoretic migration. An antiserum preparation is then placed in the through.
