complement-fixation test
Quick Summary
The complement fixation test is a laboratory procedure used to detect specific antibodies or antigens. It relies on the principle that when an antibody binds to its specific antigen, it can activate a system of proteins in the blood called complement. This activation leads to the binding of complement to the antibody-antigen complex.12
The complement system itself is a crucial part of the immune system, helping to eliminate pathogens by causing cell lysis, enhancing phagocytosis, and promoting inflammation. Complement activation can occur through three pathways: classical, lectin, and alternative. In the context of a complement fixation test, the presence of specific antibodies or antigens in a blood serum sample is indicated by whether complement is consumed (fixed) by the antibody-antigen reaction. This test is a type of serological test, which are used to diagnose various diseases.213
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