A comparative study of Michel's medium versus honey as a transport medium for skin specimens prior to direct immunofluorescence microscopy and antigen mapping.

Abstract

Michel's medium (MM) is currently the recommended transport medium for skin biopsy specimens prior to direct immunofluorescence (DIF) microscopy. To compare the utility of honey with that of MM as a transport medium for skin biopsy specimens used for DIF and antigen mapping. Group I consisted of 45 freshly-taken skin specimens earmarked for DIF testing. It was divided into three groups (A, B and C), each containing 15 specimens. Biopsy specimens were sliced into two, one each for MM and honey. Samples in group A were processed at the end of week 1 while those in group B and C were processed at the end of weeks 2 and 4, respectively. Group II consisted of five specimens of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) which was further divided into three groups; two specimens were processed for antigen mapping at the end of week 1, while others were processed at the end of week 2 (two specimens) and 4 (one specimen). Sensitivity of honey as a transport medium for skin biopsy specimens was 100%, 92.6% and 53.8% at weeks 1, 2 and 4, respectively. The antigen mapping was positive in all specimens. Utility of honey was comparable to MM for DIF samples tested at weeks 1 and 2 but was lower at week 4.