complement fixation test
Noun: A complement fixation test is a specific type of serological blood test used to detect the presence of antibodies to a particular antigen. The test works by measuring whether complement, a component of the immune system, is "fixed" or used up during an antigen-antibody reaction in the serum sample. The consumption of complement indicates a positive result, meaning specific antibodies are present.
The term is used primarily in medical, immunological, and diagnostic contexts to describe a laboratory procedure for diagnosing infections or immune responses. - It is a compound noun, typically used in its full form. - It is often abbreviated as CFT in medical literature and reports.
- The laboratory performed a complement fixation test to confirm the suspected case of syphilis.
- A positive complement fixation test for viral antibodies helped guide the patient's treatment.
- Before newer methods were developed, the complement fixation test was a standard diagnostic tool.
- In a diagnostic panel: The test can be part of a series of investigations. (e.g., )
- Historical context: While still valid, it is often mentioned in contrast to more modern techniques like ELISA. (e.g., )
- Complement fixation (n): The general biological process or phenomenon upon which the test is based.
- CFT (n): The common abbreviation for the test.
- Serological test (n): A broader category of blood tests that includes the complement fixation test.
- Wassermann test (n): A historically significant type of complement fixation test used for syphilis.
- Serological assay (broader term)
- Immunodiagnostic test (broader term)
The term refers strictly to the specific laboratory method described. It is not used metaphorically. The core concept is the "fixation" or binding of complement components, which is the measurable event indicating an immune reaction.
- a blood test in which a sample of serum is exposed to a particular antigen and complement in order to determine whether or not antibodies to that particular antigen are present; used as a diagnostic test