IFAT, which is short for indirect immunofluorescence antibody test, is used to detect microorganisms or parasites in a specimen. these microorganisms or parasites will light up (kinda like green fireflies) when you examine a (+) specimen with a fluorescent microscope.

i remember taking the job more than a month ago because i had nothing to do for the summer. the cash that came with it also helped, i guess. ;) now, after weeks of learning how to flame everything to prevent contamination, figuring out micropipettors, taking care of malaria cultures, staining without getting a single spot on my white shirt, counting RBCs per hpf... i'm really glad i took the job. at least now, i'm confident enough to say that i am NOT lab incompetent anymore. that, plus i can make a perfect thin smear with my eyes closed. weeeee!


verse for the day:
praise our God, o peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard; He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. [psalm 66:8,9]