Name: Yakima Phillips Group: MT-3 A Instructor: Mrs.

Richards-Malcolm Course: Immunohaematology II Practical Date: September 20, 2011

Prozone effect
Prozone effect occurs when there is an excess in unbound antibodies, which is due to an excess in antibody or antigen binding site that is, incomplete lattice formation caused by an excess the number of antibodies relative to antigen sites, resulting in false negative reactions. To correct the problem of excessive antibodies, the plasma or serum may be diluted with the appropriate buffer and each serial dilution of serum tested against red cells. Postzone effect The postzone effect occurs when there is an excess of antigen, in this case the lattice may not form and agglutination may not occur this often give a false negative reaction. To correct the problem of excess antigen can be solve by increasing the serum to cell ratio; this increases the number of antibodies available to bind with each RBC. Weak antigen expression on the RBC called the dosage effect (antibody reacts more strongly with a blood cell carrying a double dose than with a red cell carrying a single dose of the antigen) also causes the post zone effect, hence this affect the amount of antigen present on the red cells.

Prozone or postzone effect cannot be avoided. Many laboratories enlist a protocol to confirm negative results by dilution or testing through another method, such as a culture. These protocols commonly are used for testing, such as for syphilis and legionella.