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. 1984 Feb;92(1):1–7. doi: 10.1017/s002217240006397x

Population studies of diphtheria immunity using antitoxin radioimmunoassay.

M A Menser, J R Hudson
PMCID: PMC2129352  PMID: 6693761

Abstract

A quantitative method for testing serum diphtheria antitoxin levels was set up using a diphtheria antitoxin radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results of this RIA correlated well with the Schick test in 554 subjects and with intradermal neutralization tests in guinea-pigs in a small group of subjects. The RIA was suitable for use on blood collected by fingerprick on to a disc of standard chromatography paper. These discs could be stored at room temperature for at least 1 month. If storage for more than 6 months was required -20 degrees C was found to be better. Experience with this RIA in a total of 2349 subjects indicated that it is more accurate, rapid and less costly than Schick testing. The RIA should prove to be the preferred method for testing diphtheria immunity in population surveys.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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