Evaluation of a modified fluorescent technique for the detection of Australia antigen in liver tissue

A modified fluorescent method is described for the detection of Australia antigen (AuAg, hepatitis associated antigen, hepatitis B antigen) in liver tissue and the results are compared with those obtained with the conventional technique. Of 84 unselected biopsies tested, 40 were positive by the conventional as well as by the modified method. Seven additional biopsies, negative by the conventional method, became positive by the latter technique. Moreover, the intensity of the fluorescence and the number of positive cells were clearly increased in 85% of the specimens which were positive by the conventional technique. The modified method proves to be more sensitive than the conventional immunofluorescent procedure.