HAEMAGGLUTINATION TEST Meaning and
Definition
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The haemagglutination test is a laboratory diagnostic method used to identify certain viral or bacterial infections in which particles in a liquid, such as virus or bacteria, cause the clumping or agglutination of red blood cells. This test relies on the ability of certain microorganisms to bind to and agglutinate red blood cells.
In a haemagglutination test, a serial dilution of the virus or bacteria is mixed with a suspension of red blood cells, typically from a known species. If the test sample contains the pathogen, it will bind to the red blood cells, causing them to clump together or agglutinate. This agglutination can be observed with the naked eye as the formation of visible clumps or can be detected using various techniques, such as using a microscope or immunological methods.
The haemagglutination test is widely used in the diagnosis of viral infections, including influenza, some types of hepatitis, and certain respiratory viruses. It is also used in the detection of bacterial infections caused by organisms such as Streptococcus and Salmonella. The test's principle is based on the concept that viral or bacterial particles contain surface molecules, usually proteins, that can specifically bind to receptors on the surface of red blood cells, leading to their agglutination.
The haemagglutination test is a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic tool, allowing healthcare professionals to quickly identify infectious agents and aid in the appropriate treatment of patients. It is a valuable technique in both clinical and research settings for diagnosing and studying various infectious diseases.
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Etymology of HAEMAGGLUTINATION TEST
The word "haemagglutination test" is derived from two main components: "haema-" and "agglutination".
1. "Haema-" comes from the Greek word "haima" (αἷμα), meaning "blood". This root is often used in medical or scientific terms related to blood.
2. "Agglutination" originally comes from the Latin word "agglutinare", which means "to glue together" or "to clump". The term refers to the process of clumping or sticking together of particles or cells when exposed to certain substances.
When these two components are combined, "haemagglutination" describes the clumping or aggregation of red blood cells when exposed to certain antibodies or viruses. The "test" portion of the term indicates the application of this phenomenon in a diagnostic procedure.
