OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

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What is agglutination?

Thinning of blood cells
Clumping of blood cells
Decrease in red cell pigment
Increase of red cell size

The correct answer is: Clumping of blood cells

Agglutination refers to the process in which particles such as red blood cells clump together due to the interaction of antibodies with specific antigens on the cell surface. This phenomenon occurs during various immunological responses, particularly in blood typing and transfusion medicine, when incompatible blood types are mixed. The clumping can lead to complications, such as hemolysis, where the cells break apart. Understanding the role of agglutination is crucial in clinical settings for ensuring safe blood transfusions and diagnosing certain conditions. It illustrates how the body's immune system can recognize foreign cells and respond accordingly, which is foundational knowledge for medical technologists.