What is the purpose of murine monoclonal antibodies conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate in a fetal hemoglobin assay?

The purpose of murine monoclonal antibodies conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) in a fetal hemoglobin assay is to quantitatively measure fetal red cells. These antibodies are designed to specifically bind to the fetal hemoglobin, enabling accurate identification and quantification of fetal red blood cells in a sample.

When FITC-conjugated antibodies bind to fetal hemoglobin, the fluorescent label allows for detection and quantification via flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy. This specific binding is critical in fetal hemoglobin assays because it ensures that the results reflect the presence of fetal red cells without interference from adult hemoglobin or other components in the sample.

This quantitative measurement is essential in various clinical scenarios, such as monitoring fetal health and diagnosing hemolytic disease of the newborn. The use of murine monoclonal antibodies ensures specificity and sensitivity in detecting fetal red cells, making this method a reliable choice in hematological assessments.