In agglutination tests, an antigen reacts with its corresponding antibody, resulting in visible clumping of bacterial cells. With latex agglutination tests, latex particles are coated with antibodies that agglutinate specific antigens and form a more easily visible precipitate.

How do you test agglutination?

Latex agglutination tests can be taken by collecting a sample containing the specific antigen, or antibody, which is later mixed with an antibody, or antigen, which is coated on latex beads in serial dilutions with normal saline. If the suspected substance is present, the latex beads will clump together.

What is agglutination and how does it occur?

Agglutination is the process that occurs if an antigen is mixed with its corresponding antibody called isoagglutinin. This term is commonly used in blood grouping. This occurs in biology in two main examples: The clumping of cells such as bacteria or red blood cells in the presence of an antibody or complement.