1What is the difference between IgM and IgG molecules?
IgM (large) – able to effect lattice formation without additional enhancement; first antibody produced.
IgG (small) – measures are necessary to see a visible reaction; produced later and more long-lasting.
2What is affinity and avidity?
measures of antibody binding strength, and are important characteristics of the immune response
3What is affinity?
The strength of a single antibody-antigen interaction. Antibodies with high affinity bind more strongly and stably
4What is avidity?
The total strength of all interactions between an antibody and an antigen. Avidity is always greater than affinity.
5What are the factors that affect affinity and avidity?
# binding sites, structural arrangements
6What is sensitivity?
the test’s ability to correctly identify those with antibodies (true positives); those who have a specific disease or condition! MINIMIZING FALSE NEGATIVES.
8What are the different types of nontreponemal tests?
1. Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL)
2. Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test