title: Indications and procedures for direct immunofluorescence biopsies of the oral mucosa.
abstract: A definitive diagnosis is crucial for management of any oral mucosal disease. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is a valuable diagnostic aid for immune-mediated blistering diseases and systemic connective tissue diseases of the skin and the mucosa. This paper gives an overview of the DIF biopsy technique for oral lesions and provides a background for the clinician to optimize the utilization of DIF biopsy. The key characteristic diagnostic findings of DIF of specific mucosal diseases are also discussed.
authors.forename: Jose Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Tapia
authors.forename: Mirdza E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Neiders
authors.forename: Lakshmanan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Suresh
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*