Latexaggutinaatio

Latexaggutinaatio, also known as latex agglutination, is a serological test used to detect the presence of antigens or antibodies in a sample. The test relies on the principle of agglutination, where particulate carriers, in this case, latex particles coated with either an antigen or an antibody, clump together when they encounter their specific binding partner.

In a typical latex agglutination test, a patient's serum is mixed with latex particles that have been sensitized with a specific antigen. If antibodies against that antigen are present in the serum, they will bind to the antigen-coated latex particles, causing them to agglutinate or clump. Conversely, if the latex particles are coated with antibodies, the presence of antigens in the patient's sample will lead to agglutination.

The agglutination reaction is usually observed macroscopically as a visible clumping of the particles against a dark background. The degree of agglutination can be indicative of the concentration of the antigen or antibody in the sample. Latex agglutination tests are widely used in clinical diagnostics for the detection of various infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses, as well as for the identification of certain autoimmune markers. They are valued for their speed, simplicity, and relatively low cost, making them a useful tool in both laboratory and point-of-care settings.