Rapid immunofluorescent screening procedure using primary cell cultures or tissue sections.

We describe a rapid procedure for immunofluorescent screening of hybridoma supernatants. Use of primary cell cultures as substrates allows immediate detection and partial characterization of antibodies binding selectively to specific cell types. Sulfonated tissue culture cluster lids are used as a single substrate upon which cells are cultured and all stages of the antibody binding assay are performed, including microscopic observation. They may also be used for mounting cryostat sections of tissues. Condensation rings on the lids isolate individual groups of cells for each assay. Cells may be live or fixed, as desired. Very small volumes of culture supernatant are required for each assay, and nearly all steps are performed in bulk.