The Immunology Service evaluates the components of the immune system. Antibodies are detected by tests involving agglutination, precipitation, enzyme reactions and fluorescent methods. Certain of these tests require manual manipulations and subjective interpretations of both macroscopic and microscopic reactions. The Service evaluates the response of immune cells using flow cytometry. In addition, certain serum proteins that may be modified by pathologic conditions are analyzed by nephelometry.
Immunology is a dynamic field in which diagnostic approaches are rapidly expanding.
The Immunology Service provides sophisticated diagnostics for the management and treatment of Clinical Center patients. The Microbiology Service is primarily concerned with the recovery and identification of microorganisms from a variety of body specimens. Bacteria are tested against a variety of antibiotics to determine the most effective treatment and to provide information for epidemiological studies. Many types of specimens are received for culture by Microbiology. Blood specimens are placed in special vials and processed to concentrate and enhance the growth of the often small number of organisms that may be present.