What does CFT mean in BRITISH MEDICINE

A complement fixation test (CFT) is a laboratory method used to detect antibody-antigen reactions. It is based on the ability of an antigen to adsorb or immobilize antibody, and is a critical component in determining presence of disease-causing organisms. The CFT works by combining an antigen with a complement and then adding serum from the test subject. If the sera contains antibodies directed against the antigen, they will be bound by it and a reaction will occur that will generate visible agglutinates, which indicate that the subject has been exposed to the antigen.

Complement fixation involves combining an antigen with its specific antiserum in order to detect if there are antibodies present in the serum of the test subject. When combined, these components form a complex which allows for detection of antibodies present in the serum sample of the test subject. If antibodies are present, they will bind to the antigen and initiate a reaction that produces visible aggregates called agglutinates which indicate exposure to the antigen.

Many immunology tests make use of CFT technology, including blood group determination, syphilis testing, HIV testing and some autoimmune diseases testing. In addition, it can be used for research purposes such as vaccine efficacy studies and epidemiological surveys.

Taking a CFT poses no hazards to individuals since antigen samples collected from living organisms are not present during this procedure; thus it does not introduce infections into human subjects tested or their environments. Additionally, this testing method is considered completely secure due to its accuracy; therefore, results obtained can be reliably trusted as reflective of actual antibody levels within patients being tested.

In order to accurately conduct CFTs specific laboratory equipment such as antigens, anti-serums centrifuges and other related reagents must be acquired prior to beginning experiments. Additionally microscopes specifically designed for analyzing small particles or molecules may also be useful when conducting more detailed analysis relying on optical methods such as microscope slide tests or photometers.

Generally speaking CFTs usually require at least one hour until results can be obtained depending on complexity of particular experiment conducted but sometimes longer times might be needed depending on factors like amount and type of samples utilized or other experimental conditions existing at time of testing.

Yes - alternative tests exist that can also help determine whether individuals have been exposed to certain antigens including ELISA Testing (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay), Western Blotting Analysis and Flow Cytometry among others although these methods also require specific equipment which may involve more costs than those necessary when conducting conventional complement fixation tests.