Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
The complement fixation test to C. burnetii is used to detect the presence of
How the test is performed
Antibodies defend the body against some bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign substances, called antigens. Certain cells cause the body to produce antibodies during an active infection.
When you first become sick, few antibodies may be detected. Antibody production increases during the course of an infection. Antibody tests are often repeated several weeks after the first test is done, so that a comparison can be made to the first test. A rising level of antibody to a specific bacteria or virus tells the health care provider that you had an active infection.
The complement fixation test looks to see if the body has produced antibodies to a specific antigen -- in this case, the C.burnetii bacteria. If the antibodies are present, they attach to the antigen. This combination activates or "fixes" complement.
The test specifically looks for the antibodies to C. burnetii in the clear liquid portion of the blood called the serum. (The term for this technique is
How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feel
You may feel moderate pain when the needle is inserted, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed
The test is performed to detect
Images
Review Date: 06/09/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in
Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division
of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts
General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
