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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[Image:763px-Cryptosporidium parvum 01.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Immunofluorescence of Cryptosporidium parvum spores]]

[[Image:763px-Cryptosporidium parvum 01.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Immunofluorescence of ''Cryptosporidium parvum'' spores]]

Immunofluorescence is a technique used to detect cell or tissue-associated antigens using antibodies labelled with fluorescent tags. The stained tissues are then detected by immunofluorescence microscopy (qualitative) or flow cytometry (quantitative). Antibodies bind stably and specifically to their corresponding antigen and the technique makes use of the fact that they can be coupled to fluorescent dyes, such as fluorescein and rhodamine, with no effect on specificity. These conjugates bind to antigens present in a sample and can then be visualised under a microscope with a suitable light source, such as UV light. Conversely, the technique can also be used to detect antibodies directed against antigens known to exist in a sample.  

Immunofluorescence is a technique used to detect cell or tissue-associated antigens using antibodies labelled with fluorescent tags. The stained tissues are then detected by immunofluorescence microscopy (qualitative) or flow cytometry (quantitative). Antibodies bind stably and specifically to their corresponding antigen and the technique makes use of the fact that they can be coupled to fluorescent dyes, such as fluorescein and rhodamine, with no effect on specificity. These conjugates bind to antigens present in a sample and can then be visualised under a microscope with a suitable light source, such as UV light. Conversely, the technique can also be used to detect antibodies directed against antigens known to exist in a sample.  

==Fluorescent dyes==

==Fluorescent dyes==

If a molecule has the property of fluorescence, it can absorb light of a one wavelength (excititation) and emit light of another (emission). Antibodies tagged with these dyes (known as '''fluorochromes''') form immune complexes with specific antigens that can be detected when excited by light of a certain wavelength.  

If a molecule has the property of fluorescence, it can absorb light of one wavelength (excititation) and emit light of another (emission). Antibodies tagged with these dyes (known as '''fluorochromes''') form immune complexes with specific antigens that can be detected when excited by light of a certain wavelength.  

===Commonly used fluorochromes===

===Commonly used fluorochromes===