Specifications
The natural response to the invasion of pathogenic organisms is the production of antibodies. This immune response is highly individualized and in addition to the host’s physiological status and genetic capabilities, a number of other factors are involved in the production of antibodies to the particular stimulus. These include the antigenicity of the organism, the total amount introduced to the host and the route of introduction, and whether the host has had previous exposure to the organism. These factors will determine the rate of antibody formation, the amount of antibodies produced and their persistence in the circulatory system. The patient’s serum is tested directly for specific antibodies by either slide or tube agglutination test by Rapid labs. These tests are qualitative and semi-quantitative. The rapid slide test is used primarily as a screening procedure especially useful when large numbers of sera must be examined. The tube test should be used to confirm positive results obtained by the slide test.