ID#: 15933
Caption:
This illustration depicts what takes place during a hemagglutination inhibition test, in this case, using a virus, and a specific antiserum containing antibodies, and how these react with red blood cells (RBCs), when used in concert (top), and when used separately (bottom).

In the top half of the diagram, the viral organisms have combined with a specific antibody present in the antiserum sample, thereby, rendering the viruses unable to combine with the RBCs. Hence, a small button-shaped droplet of RBCs remains at the bottom of the well. In the lower half of the diagram, variables have changed. In this case, no virus specific antibodies have been added to the reaction, leaving the virions to combine with the RBCs, due to the affinity their surface proteins have for the RBC surface proteins. The result is agglutination of the RBCs, as evidenced by the lacy, or lattice clumping pattern visible in the well’s bottom.

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Content Provider(s): CDC/ Dr. Francis Forrester
Creation Date: 1974
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Copyright Restrictions: None - This image is in the public domain and thus free of any copyright restrictions.