When the particles clump together, it is known as agglutination. In Latin, from where the word is derived, agglutination means “to glue to”.
What Causes Agglutination?
The red blood cell or bacteria in presence of an antibody clump together and form a large complex or the agglutinated material.
It happens as an allergic reaction to an antigen nearby the cells. Detecting the foreign particle, the cells come closer together and prevent the entry of the foreign material to enter them.
Agglutination Blood Test
Hematological importance of agglutination:
Before blood transfusion, hemagglutination reaction is used in laboratory to cross match the donor blood and recipient blood.
Agglutinated Red Blood Cells
Agglutination in blood occurs when the red blood cells clog together in the blood vessels; it stops the circulation of blood to various organs of the body resulting to their failure. Death occurs due to organ failure. It is a complication of blood transfusion when the blood of the donor is incompatible for the recipient blood.
Agglutination method is also used to find out specific bacterial antigen in the blood, it is a laboratory procedure. It also reveals the identity of the bacteria and helps in diagnosis of the disease.