In the precipitin test a reaction takes place between a soluble antigen and a solution of its homologous antibody. The reaction is manifested by the formation of a visible precipitate at the interface of the reactants but may be inhibited by an excess of either antigen or antibody. The most useful precipitin test therefore provides […]
Laboratory tests extend the clinician’s diagnostic skill and guide his therapeutic efforts. Serological tests represent a large percentage of the laboratory tools available to aid the clinician. These tests include agglutination, precipitation and complement-fixation, which, along with other laboratory procedures, are explained in the following pages. Animal tests and experimentation provide a useful diagnostic tool […]
Complement or alexin (protective material), is a substance found in normal blood serum. It is called complement, abbreviated C’, because of its complementary effect on certain reactions between bacterial cells, bacteriolysins and other lysins. When associated with appropriate antibodies, it is detrimental to some bacteria, especially gram-negative bacteria, which it kills. Combinations of C’ and […]
Blood contains antibodies which defend the body from infection. They constitute the third line of defense. Antibodies have already been defined as specific substances formed by the body in response to stimulation by specific foreign and protein like substances called antigens. Chemically, they too are proteins, composed principally of gamma globulins, although other immunoglobulins may […]
Blood is composed of cells and plasma. Plasma is largely water in which are dissolved minerals, proteins, gases and other chemicals that assist in the work of the blood. Whether all are in the right proportions or not depends on the state of nutrition and metabolism of the body and on the activity of the […]
The body fluid pumped by the heart through the vessels of those animals, all vertebrates and many invertebrates in which diffusion alone is not adequate for transport of materials, and which therefore require blood circulation system. Blood plays a part in every major bodily activity. As the body’s main transport medium it carries a variety […]
