Microbiology

Microbiology

Complement fixation test

The complement fixation assay can be used to look for the presence of i) specific antibody or ii) specific antigen in a patient's serum. The test utilizes sheep red blood cells (SRBC), anti-SRBC antibody and complement, along with specific antigen (if looking for antibody in serum) or specific antibody (if looking for antigen in serum). If antibody (or antigen) is present in the patient's serum, then the complement is completely utilized and SRBC lysis is minimal.

Advantages of CFT

Ability to screen against a large number of viral and bacterial infections at the same time

Cheap

Disadvantages of CFT

Not sensitive - ...