HCG and Immunofluorescent Assays

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to hCG levels, immunofluorescent assays, and their clinical implications.

hCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone often measured in pregnancy tests.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterine cavity, often leading to lower than expected hCG levels.

Miscarriage

The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, which can also result in lower hCG levels.

Choriocarcinoma

A type of cancer that can lead to higher than expected hCG levels.

Testicular Tumor

A cancer in the male reproductive system that can elevate hCG levels.

Direct Immunofluorescent Assay

A lab technique that directly detects antigens in a patient's tissue sample using fluorescently labeled antibodies.

Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay

A method that detects patient antibodies using a secondary antibodies that bind to the primary antibody bound to the antigen.

Autoantibodies

Antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and react with a person's own tissues or organs.

FPI Assay

Fluorescence Polarization Imaging Assay, a test used to analyze interactions between antigens and antibodies.

Homogeneous Assay

An assay format where all components are mixed together without separation of bound and unbound analytes.

Competitive Assay

An assay where the binding of a labeled antigen to an antibody is competed against a patient antigen.