CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

CHAPTER 16: IMMUNOLOGY AND SEROLOGY 409
6. Serological pipettes or semiautomated diluters for making dilutions of
samples
7. Mechanical rotator (optional) (The low speed for rotating the slide does not
always lend itself to the need for a mechanical rotator and for most kits the slide
can be rotated by hand.)
8. Specimen of unhemolyzed serum
9. Electronic timing device or clock/watch with second hand
Procedure
1. Wash hands and don gloves.
2. Assemble necessary equipment and supplies.
3. Specimens are tested from both undiluted and diluted specimens by diluting a
specimen to 1:10 with the prepared diluent.
a. Prepare a 1:10 dilution of specimen by pipetting 0.1 ml specimen into a test
tube with 0.9 mL of diluent.
4. Place 1 drop (approximately 50 μL) of undiluted specimen into one of the rings on
the slide and 1 drop (approximately 50 μL) of the 1:10 diluted specimen into a second
ring.
5. Place 1 drop each of the positive control and 1 drop of the negative control into
two additional rings on the slide.
6. Add 1 drop of well-mixed latex reagent to each section.
7. Using a new stirrer (usually provided with the kit) for each ring to avoid carry
over from one sample to the next, mix thoroughly and spread the mixture over the
entire area.
8. Rock slide evenly and gently by hand 8 to 10 times per minute for 2 minutes.
9. Observe each mixture immediately at 2 minutes for agglutination, which will be
visible to the naked eye. Failure to do so may cause erroneous results.
10. Record results of controls and unknown specimens on the appropriate form.
11. Wash slides quickly following completion of the procedure as residue may dry on
the slide, then rinse with deionized water.
12. Discard all supplies used for the procedure in the appropriate containers.
A disinfectant should be used to clean the work surfaces and equipment should
be cleaned and restored to its former position. Gloves should be discarded
appropriately and the hands washed thoroughly in accordance with established
policies.
Reporting of Results
A number of limitations for the test are observed when interpreting the results of
the test. Test results are often confirmed by clinical signs and symptoms as well as
correlation with other test results.
1. As in many diagnostic laboratory procedures, results obtained with this test yield
data that must be evaluated in light of the total clinical information obtained by
the physician.
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