A latex fixation test (or latex agglutination test) is an agglutination technique used to detect antigens, such as those produced in response to the rubella virus or the rheumatoid factor. May be used for Rickettsia, coccidioidomycosis, though numerous sources of interferences (e.g., large immune complexes and high protein concentrations) lessen the utility of the latex agglutination (LA) test in most situations. There is an excellent LA test for cryptococcus. It also is used in definitive diagnosis of Group A streptococcus.
In a latex fixation test, a sample is mixed with latex beads coated with antibodies. If the antigen is present, it will react with the antibodies causing the latex beads to clump.
Famous quotes containing the word test:
“[17th-century] Puritans were the first modern parents. Like many of us, they looked on their treatment of children as a test of their own self-control. Their goal was not to simply to ensure the child’s duty to the family, but to help him or her make personal, individual commitments. They were the first authors to state that children must obey God rather than parents, in case of a clear conflict.”
—C. John Sommerville (20th century)