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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Immunoblot Analysis
Published on: June 20, 2008
Identification of IgG rheumatoid factors by a novel method utilizing immunoblotting
1Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal General Hospital Research Institute, Que, Canada.
Abstract:
Monoclonal IgG rheumatoid factors (RFs) are identified using a novel immunoblot assay which detects RFs that bind to SDS-denatured Fc on nitrocellulose. Recognition of these self-associating antibodies is by the use of F(ab')2 fragments of light chain-specific antisera. In this way, IgG RFs can be easily identified and the precise binding characteristics to different isotypes of IgG, or other antigens, further specified. The assay can also be used to detect other classes of RFs such as IgM RFs. Although less sensitive than the standard ELISA, the use of this immunoblot RF assay (IRFA) will identify IgG RFs and their target antigen with precision.
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