ANTIGEN UNIT Meaning and
Definition
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Antigen unit refers to a measurement unit used to quantify the amount or concentration of an antigen present in a sample. An antigen is a foreign substance, such as a protein or a carbohydrate, that triggers an immune response in the body, leading to the production of antibodies. The presence and concentration of antigens are vital in diagnosing diseases, monitoring immune responses, and developing vaccines.
The term "antigen unit" is commonly used in the field of immunology and diagnostic testing. It represents the standardized amount of an antigen that is included in a test or assay. The unit provides a reference point for the concentration of the antigen, allowing for consistent comparison and reliable interpretation of results across different tests and laboratories.
The measurement of antigen units is typically expressed in quantitative terms such as micrograms, nanograms, or picograms. It is obtained through laboratory techniques like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Accurate determination of the antigen unit is essential in various medical areas, including infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. It helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about treatment options, track disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of interventions like vaccines.
In summary, antigen unit refers to a standardized measurement unit used to quantify the concentration of antigens in diagnostic tests. It plays a crucial role in the field of immunology and aids in disease diagnosis, monitoring immune responses, and the development of effective vaccines.
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The smallest amount of antigen which will fix one complement unit so as absolutely to inhibit hemolysis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANTIGEN UNIT
- zntigen unit
- sntigen unit
- wntigen unit
- qntigen unit
- abtigen unit
- amtigen unit
- ajtigen unit
- ahtigen unit
- anrigen unit
- anfigen unit
- angigen unit
- anyigen unit
- an6igen unit
- an5igen unit
- antugen unit
- antjgen unit
- antkgen unit
- antogen unit
- ant9gen unit
- ant8gen unit
Etymology of ANTIGEN UNIT
The word "antigen unit" is a combination of two terms: "antigen" and "unit".
1. Antigen: The term "antigen" comes from the combination of two Greek words - "anti" meaning "against" or "counter" and "gen" meaning "producer" or "generator". It was coined in 1908 by French bacteriologist and immunologist Paul Portier and refers to any substance that can trigger an immune response in the body. Antigens are typically proteins or large polysaccharides found on the surface of foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, or even cancer cells. When introduced into the body, antigens stimulate the production of specific antibodies by the immune system.
2. Unit: "Unit" is derived from the Latin word "unitas", meaning "oneness" or "unity".
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