Immunofluorescence: Direct, Skin

NAME OF SPECIALTY

Immunofluorescence: Direct, Skin

CPT CODES

88346 (x5)

• IgA
• IgG
• IgM
• C3
• Fibrinogen

PRINCIPLE

The test is used to detect antibody deposition in tissue.  For use in diagnosis of <Bullous Disease>.  Direct immunofluorescence uses a single antibody that is chemically linked to a fluorophore.  The antibody recognizes the target molecule and binds to it, and the fluorophore it carries can be detected via microscopy.  This technique has several advantages over the secondary (or indirect) protocol below because of the direct conjugation of the antibody to the fluorophore.  This reduces the number of steps in the staining procedure making the process faster and can reduce background signal by avoiding some issues with antibody cross-reactivity or non-specificity.  However, since the number of fluorescent molecules that can be bound to the primary antibody is limited, direct immunofluorescence is less sensitive than indirect immunofluorescence.⁴

METHODOLOGY

Direct Immunofluorescene

REQUEST FORM

Complete a <Dermatopathology Requisition>.

The following information must be completed on each requisition.

1. Patient’s Name
2. Patient’s Date of Birth
3. Social Security Number (if available)
4. Date and time of collection
5. Specimen source and tissue type
6. Requesting Physician name and contact phone number
7. Thorough clinical history if available
8. All insurance information must be included to ensure proper billing.

RESULT(S)

Report interpreted by a qualified pathologist in conjunction with histological examination, relevant clinical information, and applicable controls.

COLLECTION

Skin biopsy tissue collected in <Michel’s Fixative>.

CAUSE(S) FOR REJECTION

Specimens received in formalin

Frozen tissue