Immunology and Serology Flashcards
7 cards from real Medical Technologist Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Immunology and Serology flashcards as text
Which immunoglobulin class is the FIRST to be produced during a primary immune response?
Answer: IgM
IgM is the first antibody produced during a primary immune response before class switching to IgG and other isotypes occurs.
The complement pathway activated directly by antigen-antibody complexes is the:
Answer: Classical pathway
The classical complement pathway is triggered when C1q binds to antigen-antibody (immune) complexes, initiating the cascade.
Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions are primarily mediated by which immunoglobulin?
Answer: IgE
Type I hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE antibodies bound to mast cells and basophils, causing degranulation upon antigen re-exposure.
A homogeneous ANA fluorescence pattern is most commonly associated with antibodies against:
Answer: Anti-dsDNA or anti-histone antibodies
A homogeneous ANA pattern reflects antibodies against double-stranded DNA or histone proteins and is classically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.
In the zone of equivalence during a precipitation reaction, which of the following occurs?
Answer: Optimal lattice formation produces maximum precipitate
In the zone of equivalence, antigen and antibody are present in optimal proportions, allowing maximum cross-linked lattice formation and precipitation.
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an autoantibody directed against which target?
Answer: The Fc portion of IgG
Rheumatoid factor is typically an IgM autoantibody that binds to the Fc region of IgG molecules, forming immune complexes in rheumatoid arthritis.
Which technique uses fluorescent-labeled antibodies to detect antigens in tissue sections or cells?
Answer: Direct immunofluorescence
Direct immunofluorescence uses fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies applied directly to tissue or cells to visualize specific antigens under a fluorescence microscope.