Autoimmunity laboratory

Nephelometry

Summary

Science

Clinical

Background

Nephelometry is a tool used in immunology laboratories for testing levels of proteins that are important to effective immune responses. These techniques are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of many immunological conditions from some immunodeficiencies to autoimmune disease like Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE). The technique uses the amount of light that is scattered when passed through a solution containing immune complexes to determine the amount of protein present. Because this assay is used for many patients with different problems it is generally automated.

• Science