Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment

Complement Fixation Tests

Serologic tests based on inactivation of complement by the antigen-antibody complex (stage 1). Binding of free complement can be visualized by addition of a second antigen-antibody system such as red cells and appropriate red cell antibody (hemolysin) requiring complement for its completion (stage 2). Failure of the red cells to lyse indicates that a specific antigen-antibody reaction has taken place in stage 1. If red cells lyse, free complement is present indicating no antigen-antibody reaction occurred in stage 1.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Serologic tests based on inactivation of complement by the antigen-antibody complex (stage 1). Binding of free complement can be visualized by addition of a second antigen-antibody system such as red cells and appropriate red cell antibody (hemolysin) requiring complement for its completion (stage 2). Failure of the red cells to lyse indicates that a specific antigen-antibody reaction has taken place in stage 1. If red cells lyse, free complement is present indicating no antigen-antibody reaction occurred in stage 1.

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Synonyms

11 entry terms
  • Complement Fixation Test
  • Fixation Test, Complement
  • Fixation Tests, Complement
  • Test, Complement Fixation
  • Tests, Complement Fixation
  • Complement Absorption Test, Conglutinating
  • Conglutinating Complement Absorption Test
  • Conglutination Reaction
  • Conglutination Reactions
  • Reaction, Conglutination
  • Reactions, Conglutination

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Aspects Covered

14 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings adverse effects, classification, economics, ethics, history, instrumentation, methods, mortality, nursing, psychology, standards, statistics & numerical data, trends, veterinary.

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History Note

CONGLUTINATION REACTION was heading 1975-96 (see under COMPLEMENT FIXATION TESTS 1975-90); COMPLEMENT ABSORPTION TEST, CONGLUTINATING was see CONGLUTINATION REACTION 1992-96

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NLM Classification

QY 265

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Complement Fixation Tests. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D003168. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D003168
  2. Complement Fixation Tests. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complement_fixation_test
  3. Complement Fixation Tests. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q904197