counter immunoelectrophoresis

counter immunoelectrophoresis

a laboratory technique in which an electric current is used to accelerate the migration of antibody and antigen through a buffered gel diffusion medium; abbreviated CIE. Antigens in a gel medium in which the pH is controlled are strongly negatively charged and will migrate rapidly across the electric field toward the anode. The antibody in such a medium is less negatively charged and will migrate in an opposite or 'counter' direction toward the cathode. If the antigen and antibody are specific for each other, they combine and form a distinct precipitin line. Was used for the rapid diagnosis of some bacterial, mycoplasma and viral infections.