A test used to detect the presence of an antibody or antigen in a variety of bodily fluids including saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid or blood.

For collection methods, see the specific topics:

• urine (see urine collection -- clean catch for adults and children, and urine collection (infants) for infants)
• serum (see venipuncture)
• blood cells (see venipuncture)
• CSF collection (lumbar puncture )

As with any test, your health care provider may limit certain foods or medications shortly before the test to assure accurate test results.

How the test feels depends on how the sample is collected. Please see the individual topics for information in this area.

This test is a quick way to determine the absence or presence of an antigen or antibody. Your health care provider will base any treatment decisions, at least in part, on the results of this test.

Normal values reveal no agglutination.

If there is an antigen-antibody match, agglutination will occur.

Risks are associated with how the sample is collected. Please see the individual topics for information in this area.