AW: [Histonet] Sensitivity and specificity

[Gudrun Lang]

Sensitivity refers to the minimal ammount of antigen, that can be detected
by the whole detection-system (primary antibody qualitiy/quantity; secondary
antibody; activity of the used enzyme; etc.)
The sensitivity can be encreased by higher affine antibodies, more "steps",
amplification.

The specifity of a test refers to the fact, that the test is only positiv,
if the tested substance is really present; the test must not be positiv with
any other substance. For example, if an antibody crossreacts with epitops on
various celltypes, the antibody and the test are not specific for a unique
cell-type. - but the antibody itself is specific to its epitop.

Hope this helps

Gudrun Lang
 
Biomed. Analytikerin
Histolabor
Akh Linz
Krankenhausstr. 9
4020 Linz
+43(0)732/7806-6754

-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Im Auftrag von Laurie
Reilly
Gesendet: Freitag, 17. August 2007 09:06
An: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Betreff: [Histonet] Sensitivity and specificity

Histonetters,

 

Can anyone help with a concise definition of "sensitivity" and "specificity"
as it relates to immunohistochemical reactions.

 

Thanks and regards,   Laurie.

 

Mr. Laurie Reilly

School of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences

James Cook University

Townsville   

Queensland  4811

Australia

 

Phone  07 4781 4468

Fax  07 4779 1526

 

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