ABSTRACT
This chapter describes in detail the techniques used in the laboratory, while discussing some of the variations which can be used successfully. An attempt will be made to differentiate between procedures which are based on sound evidence and practices which appear to be beneficial but may turn out to have only ritual significance. The investment of time and effort into hybridoma production is such that the frequency of lapses in sterility must be kept low. Polyethylene Glycol is toxic to cells and the toxicity probably depends on molecular weight. The most important prerequisite in terms of expertise relates to the antigen type to be used and the assay for antibody against the antigen. Generally second antibody procedures give higher sensitivity and higher backgrounds than direct-labeling techniques.
