Immunofluorescence staining is a technique used in the laboratory to diagnose diseases of the skin, kidney, heart, cilia and other organ systems.

Immunofluorescence utilizes a specific pairing between antigen and antibody to identify the deposition of abnormal molecules and proteins in the tissue or cell culture sample. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining labels a specific target antigen with a fluorescent dye such as fluorescein isothiocyanate or cyanine. The fluorescent stain visualized under a fluorescent microscope allows for an assessment of the target molecule/protein distribution in the sample.

Stanford offers both direct immunofluorescence and indirect immunofluorescence, performed by highly qualified staff.