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complement fixation
This term is a highly specialized technical expression used exclusively within immunology and clinical diagnostics. It describes a specific biochemical reaction where the "fixation" refers to the binding or consumption of complement proteins, preventing them from lysing indicator red blood cells.
Because it is a specific laboratory procedure, it is treated as a singular conceptual entity. It is rarely used in plural form in professional medical literature, as the focus is on the methodology of the test rather than individual instances of the process.
Meanings
A diagnostic laboratory test used to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens by observing the consumption of complement proteins in a serum sample.
The technician performed a complement fixation test to determine if the patient had antibodies against the specific pathogen.