Category: A

A test for the presence in human blood of antibodies. The antibodies present in the blood do not, themselves, cause agglutination. It is the addition of an antibody made in animals (antiglobulin) that stimulates red blood cell clumping. The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is used to diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hemolytic disease of the…

An antibody that binds with globulin and makes it precipitate out of solution. Antiglobulins are used in Coomb’s test to detect the presence of a particular antibody or to type blood groups.  

The smallest quantity of antigen required to fix one unit of complement.  

The mechanism by which foreign antigens are taken into antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and broken up. Part of the antigen is then displayed (presented) on the surface of the APC next to a histocompatibility or “self’ antigen, activating T lymphocytes and cell-mediated immunity. T lymphocytes are unable to recognize or respond to most antigens without APC…

The condition of being able to produce an immune response to an antibody.  

The specific area of an antigen that binds with an antibody combining site and determines the specificity of the antigen-antibody reaction.  

The presence of an antigen in the bloodstream.  

The combination of an antigen with its specific antibody. It may result in agglutination, precipitation, neutralization, complement fixation, or increased susceptibility to phagocytosis. The antigen- antibody reaction forms the basis for B-cell mediated immunity. The binding of an antigen to its corresponding antibody.  

An antigen that occurs in some individuals of the same species. Examples are the human blood group antigens.  

Preventing or diminishing the secretion of milk. A substance that reduces or stops the production of milk in a breastfeeding breast.