Latex-Fixation Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

THE latex-fixation test of Singer and Plotz¹ was designed as a diagnostic tool for the detection of rheumatoid arthritis. The positive reaction in this test depends upon the interaction of human gamma globulin with, presumably, various serum components, among which the rheumatoid factor is outstanding. The polystyrene latex particles act only as carriers for the gamma globulin and as indicators for the precipitin reaction that occurs on the surface of the biologically inert particle.The interaction of the rheumatoid factor and gamma globulin may be inhibited naturally in a given serum to the extent that aggregation of the particles no . . .