Thin-layer ion-selective electrode detection of anticardiolipin antibodies in syphilis serology

A method for a serological diagnosis of syphilis is presented, in which a thin-layer ion-selective electrode is used for monitoring the complement-mediated immune lysis of antigen-sensitized phospholipid liposomes in microlitre sample volumes. The liposomes are loaded with tetrapentylammonium ions (TPA(+)) which are then released from the liposomes by the immuno reaction and are monitored by a TPA(+) ion-selective electrode. This is a direct but much amplified measure of the syphilitic antibodies to be assayed. The principles and evaluation of the method are given. The results have been compared and correlated with those of a conventional method.