What does CFT mean in LABORATORY

A Complement Fixation Test (CFT) is a laboratory technique used to identify antibodies in the serum of an individual. It measures the ability of antibodies in the serum to bind with antigens and form a ‘complex’ or antigen-antibody reaction. This information can be used to diagnose infection, allergies and certain autoimmune disorders.

The CFT typically utilizes two tubes of antigen-containing antiserum for testing. The first tube will contain antibodies that are specific for the antigen being tested, while the other will only contain complement proteins. When exposed to antigens, if there are any antibodies present they will bind to it, causing the formation of complexes which can be easily detected with standard laboratory tests. If no complexes are detected then this means that either no antibodies were present or they were not able to bind with the antigen being tested due to some other factor.

In general, CFTs require blood samples from individuals in order to test for antibody presence. However, other types of bodily fluids such as urine and saliva have also been used depending on what is being tested for.

CFTs generally provide semi-quantitative results in terms of how many and which type of antibodies have bound with the antigen sample being tested for. Depending on factors such as how much antigen was present during testing, more precise quantitative results may also be obtained.

Generally speaking, CFTs are highly accurate when performed correctly and when appropriate controls are included in each experiment. By performing multiple tests using different antigens and optimizing test conditions, relatively accurate results can be obtained.

Not necessarily; some non-specific reactions may occur which could lead to false positives during testing. Additionally, if there are low levels of antibody present then they may not be able to bind sufficiently with antigens leading to false negatives.

Results from a typical complement fixation test can usually be obtained within 4 hours after sample collection.

Typically, trained laboratory personnel such as medical technologists perform complement fixation tests.

This varies depending on individual needs and factors such as prior exposure history or ongoing infections/diseases; however it is generally recommended that individuals who need frequent health monitoring (such as those undergoing treatment for chronic infections or autoimmune diseases) should have their bloodwork monitored every 6 months via complement fixation tests or similar laboratory techniques.