Laboratory examination in dermatovenerology

Laboratory tests are widely used in dermatology. The most common are microscopic, culture and serological examinations.

Microscopic examination

 * It is often informative in nature, but its advantage is the quick identification of an infectious agent. The material is taken from infected material or from the culture of the captured microbe. Optical and electron microscopes are used.
 * Preparations can be native or dyed. Staining is most often used according to Gram or Giemsa staining.

Cultivation
Mainly bacteria are cultivated, with enough biological nutrients, correct pH, humidity, temperature and according to Oxygen requirements.


 * Cultivation soils are either solid, liquid or semi-solid.

Serological investigation methods
They work on the principle of antigen - antibody reaction.


 * Direct detection: Antigen detection using a known antibody.
 * Indirect evidence: Evidence of antibodies in the body.
 * Immunofluorescence: One of the components is labeled with a fluorescent dye, the result is read on a fluorescent microscope.

More detailed information can be found on the Immunofluorescence examination in dermatology page .


 * ELISA : One of the components is labeled with an enzyme, a substrate is added to make the result visible, a colored product is formed. It is used for dg. anti- HIV antibody.

More detailed information can be found on the ELISA page .

Immunoblotting
It is used for an anti-HIV certificate.

See the Southern blotting page for more detailed information

PCR
See PCR for more info.

Related Articles

 * PCR
 * ELISA
 * Blood Culture