What is hemaagglutination test?

The hemagglutination test is a laboratory technique used to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens by observing the clumping (agglutination) of red blood cells (RBCs). It is commonly employed in virology to identify viruses that can agglutinate RBCs, such as influenza. The test involves mixing a sample (serum or viral culture) with RBCs, and if the target antibodies or antigens are present, visible agglutination occurs. This method is useful for diagnosing infections and determining blood types.