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Review
. 2020 Feb;42(2):75-85.
doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000001516.

Practical Direct Immunofluorescence

Randie H Kim  1 , Nooshin K Brinster  2
Affiliations
Review

Practical Direct Immunofluorescence

Randie H Kim et al. Am J Dermatopathol. 2020 Feb.

Abstract

Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) remains a valuable tool that may be underused because of perceived challenges in the interpretation, limitations, and processing of DIF specimens. The aim of this review is to provide a practical guide for appropriately incorporating DIF in a variety of clinical diseases, such as autoimmune blistering disorders. In vasculitis, the role of DIF continues to evolve, particularly in the setting of IgA vasculitis. Although typically not indicated for the workup of connective tissue disease, DIF may be helpful in cases with negative serologies, nondiagnostic histologic findings, or scarring alopecia. Practical pearls for biopsy technique, specimen handling, and storage are also discussed.

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