What are the steps of the complement fixation test?
Posted February 1, 2024
Answer
The steps of the complement fixation test are described below.
- The serum sample is first heated to about 56°C to eliminate existing complement proteins.
- Treat the serum sample with washed sheep red blood cells (RBCs) to prevent interference from cross-reactive anti-RBC antibodies.
- Introduce the antigen and complement into the sample.
- Incubate the mixture at 37°C for 30 minutes, providing an optimal environment for the formation of antigen-antibody complexes
- Add an indicator and observe the sample for any alterations, indicating either the occurrence or absence of hemolysis.
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