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An Optimized Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) Assay to Quantify Influenza-specific Antibody Titers
Published on: December 1, 2017
QUANTITATIVE ASPECTS OF THE RED BLOOD CELL AGGLUTINATION TEST FOR INFLUENZA VIRUS
1Department of Animal and Plant Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, New Jersey.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
This study standardized the chicken red cell agglutination test for influenza virus. The optimized method provides accurate, reproducible measurements of virus biological activity and purity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The chicken red cell agglutination (CCA) test is used to measure influenza virus activity.
- Variability in the CCA test hinders its use as a reliable index of viral purity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and control variables in the CCA test for influenza virus.
- To develop a standardized, accurate method for measuring virus biological activity.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the effects of temperature and pH on CCA test results.
- Assessed the impact of red blood cell source and stability.
- Evaluated the stability of purified influenza virus preparations.
Main Results:
- Temperature significantly affects CCA titer; pH (6-8) has minimal impact.
- Red blood cell variability and instability introduce measurement variations.
- Purified influenza virus is stable at 4°C for months.
- Achieved 8.4% significant difference detection in duplicate measurements.
Conclusions:
- A standardized CCA test procedure was developed for accurate, quantitative influenza virus measurement.
- This method allows for a reproducible standard of CCA activity per unit weight of purified virus.
- The standardized test serves as a reliable index for assessing the chemical purity of influenza virus preparations.
