Microimmunoelectrophoresis: comparison of template with nontemplate methods.

Abstract An improved template microscope slide immunodiffusion technique is described and compared with the form of nontemplate microscope slide immunoelectrophoresis currently used. The template technique is shown to have numerous advantages over nontemplate techniques which include greater sensitivity, more universal reproducibility, greater adaptability and simplicity, and more freedom from technical factors which lead to development of confusing artifacts. A comparison of immunoelectrophoresis tests carried out in agar gels made up at 1 and 2 per cent shows that the latter concentration yields finer precipitin arcs and better resolution but may cause a loss in sensitivity and has photographic disadvantages. The common practice of agar-precoating glass slides to be used in agar immunoelectrophoresis has been discarded in favor of waterproofing them, a procedure which lowers fraction trailing and increases resolution.