A Chromatographic Technique for the Quantitative Study of the Precipitin Reaction

Abstract

A chromatographic technique for quantitative estimation of precipitin reactions is presented. The main advantageous features of the technique are the small amount of serum required (0.01 ml), the high sensitivity (1 γ of nitrogen), and simplicity of the procedure. The ratio of antigen to antibody in the precipitate can be determined by using the fluorescent antibody. The abbreviated version of the technique can be used for qualitative precipitin reactions or for testing the reactivity of fluorescent antibodies. The minimal concentration of precipitated nitrogen required for quantitative determinations is 100 γ/1 ml of antiserum.