Use the following choices to answer questions 7–9.
a. direct fluorescent antibody
b. indirect fluorescent antibody
c. rabies immune globulin
d. killed rabies virus
e. none of the above


Test used to detect the presence of antibodies in a patient’s serum.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the purpose of the test: detecting antibodies in a patient's serum.
2. Understand the difference between direct and indirect fluorescent antibody tests.
3. Direct fluorescent antibody tests detect antigens directly using labeled antibodies.
4. Indirect fluorescent antibody tests detect antibodies by using a secondary labeled antibody that binds to the primary antibody.
5. Determine which test is used for detecting antibodies in serum, focusing on the indirect method.

Key Concepts

Antibody Detection

Antibody detection is a crucial process in immunology that identifies the presence of specific antibodies in a patient's serum. This is often used to diagnose infections or assess immune responses. Techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or fluorescent antibody tests are commonly employed to visualize and quantify these antibodies.

Fluorescent Antibody Techniques

Fluorescent antibody techniques involve the use of antibodies labeled with fluorescent dyes to detect specific antigens in a sample. There are two main types: direct fluorescent antibody tests, where the antibody binds directly to the target antigen, and indirect tests, which use a secondary antibody to amplify the signal. These methods are valuable for diagnosing infections and studying immune responses.

Rabies Diagnosis

Rabies diagnosis often involves detecting antibodies against the rabies virus in a patient's serum, especially after potential exposure. The presence of these antibodies indicates an immune response, which can be assessed using fluorescent antibody techniques. Understanding rabies immunology is essential for effective treatment and prevention strategies.