MIXED HAEMADSORPTION - A MIXED ANTIGLOBULIN REACTION APPLIED TO ANTIGENS ON A GLASS SURFACE - PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF INDICATOR RED CELLS SURVEY OF PRESENT APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Mixed hemadsorption should be regarded as an application of the mixed anti-globulin reaction to situations where the anitgen is sessile on a glass surface. Antibody attached to the antigen when exposing the latter to anantiserum is traced by red cells carrying anantiglobulin layer which makes them adsorb to the antibody. The indicator cells are prepared by coating them first with a layer of gamma- globulin from the animal species, the antibody globulin of which they are intended to trace, and then with a layer of the corresponding antiglobulin. The most effective indicator cells were obtained by attaching antibody to natural receptors on the red cells to achieve their first coating of gamma-globulin. The preparation of indicator cells for tracing antibodies from a number of species, including numan, is described. The mixed hemadsorption technique is highly specific and has a sensitivity which is comparable to that of the most sensitive serological techniques. Test procedures adapted for different purposes are outlined and a number of applications to experimental and clinical problems are reviewed.