Complement fixation test
Complement Fixation Test
The Complement Fixation Test (pronounced: kuhm-pluh-ment fik-sey-shuhn test) is a medical test used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in a patient's serum. The test is based on the principle of complement fixation and is used to diagnose certain infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Etymology
The term "complement" in the context of immunology was first used by Paul Ehrlich, a German physician and scientist, to describe the activity of a blood component that could "complement" the action of antibodies. The term "fixation" refers to the binding of complement to antibodies, rendering it unavailable for further reactions.
Procedure
The Complement Fixation Test involves two steps: the first step is the combination of patient's serum with specific antigens. If the patient's serum contains antibodies against these antigens, they will bind together. In the second step, a known amount of complement is added. If antibodies are present, the complement will be "fixed" to the antigen-antibody complex. The absence of free complement is then detected by adding sheep red blood cells coated with antibodies. If complement is present, it will lyse the red blood cells, indicating a negative result. If the red blood cells remain intact, it indicates a positive result, meaning the patient has antibodies against the specific antigen.
Applications
The Complement Fixation Test is used in the diagnosis of various diseases such as syphilis, rickettsial infections, parasitic infections, and certain autoimmune disorders. It is also used in seroepidemiology studies to determine the prevalence of certain diseases in a population.
Limitations
While the Complement Fixation Test is a valuable tool in disease diagnosis, it has its limitations. It requires a high level of technical skill and is time-consuming. It also cannot distinguish between current and past infections, as it detects antibodies that may remain in the body long after an infection has resolved.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Complement fixation test
- Wikipedia's article - Complement fixation test
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