Determination of optimal in vitro conditions for caprine alternative complement pathway assay.

Optimal in vitro testing conditions for caprine alternative complement pathway assay were determined. Effects of the following variables were tested: heterologous erythrocytes; pH, ionic strength and Mg2+ ion concentration of the complement diluent; incubation time and temperature. Rabbit erythrocytes were the optimal target cells. The optimal buffer conditions were: pH 8.0, ionic strength 0.06 mmol NaCl and 5mmol Mg2+ ion. Optimal incubation time and temperature were 75 min and 30 degrees C, respectively.