WASSERMANN REACTION TEST
\wˈɒsəmˌan ɹɪˈakʃən tˈɛst], \wˈɒsəmˌan ɹɪˈakʃən tˈɛst], \w_ˈɒ_s_ə_m_ˌa_n ɹ_ɪ__ˈa_k_ʃ_ə_n t_ˈɛ_s_t]\
Sort: Oldest first
-
A diagnostic test for syphilis, based upon the theory of complement fixation. Measured quantities of extract from the liver and spleen of a syphilitic fetus (representing the antigen) and of the blood-serum of the person to be tested are mixed in a test-tube, and some fresh normal guinea-pig serum (containing the complement) is added; after incubation at body temperature for about an hour the contents of this tube are added to a mixture of the red blood-cells of a sheep or other animal, suspended in physiological saline solution, and of the serum of a rabbit which has been immunized to these particular red cells; if the serum mixed with the extract of syphilic organs in the first test-tube is from a syphilitic individual, no hemolysis of the red blood-cells in the second tube will occur after incubation for one hour. See Noguchi's test.
By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop
Word of the day
Arear
- To raise; set up; stir up. Backward; in or to the rear; behindhand. a-r[=e]r', adv. in the rear. [A.S. pfx. a-, on, to, and REAR.]