Immunofixation

**Semantic type:** Molecular Biology Research Technique

**Definition:** An enhancement of immunoelectrophoresis in which a series of post-electrophoretic gel slabs are layered with cellulose-acetate gels saturated with specific antibodies. The resulting antigen-antibody complexes fixed on the second gel may then be stained, allowing sensitive and specific qualitative visual identification of paraproteins by electrophoretic position. It can be used to identify specific proteins in the blood or urine. It has greatest application in the identification and monitoring of monoclonal proteins that are produced in conditions like Waldenstom's macroglobulinaemia and multiple myeloma.

**Synonyms:** - IFE - IFE - IMMUNOFIXATION ELECTROPHORESIS - Immunofixation Electrophoresis