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complement fixation  the combining of complement with the antigen-antibody complex, rendering the complement inactive, or fixed. Its presence or absence as free, active complement can be shown by adding sensitized blood cells to the mixture. If free complement is present, hemolysis occurs; if not, no hemolysis is observed. This reaction is the basis of many serologic tests for infection, including the Wassermann test for syphilis, and reactions for gonococcus infection, glanders, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and amebiasis. Called also Bordet-Gengou phenomenon. See also immunity.




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