A patientʹs serum, Mycobacterium, guinea pig complement, sheep red blood cells, and anti -sheep red blood cell antibodies are mixed in a test tube. What happens if the patient has antibodies to Mycobacterium?
A) No hemolysis occurs.
B) Hemagglutination-inhibition occurs.
C) Bacteria fluoresce.
D) Hemolysis occurs.
E) Hemagglutination occurs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the patient has antibodies to Mycobacterium, they will bind to the Mycobacterium in the serum, forming immune complexes. These complexes will fix the guinea pig complement, preventing it from lysing the sheep red blood cells, so no hemolysis occurs.

A Patientʹs Serum, Mycobacterium, Guinea Pig Complement, Sheep Red Blood