What should be the result when controls are used to check for anticomplementary factors in complement fixation tests?

In complement fixation tests, the presence of anticomplementary factors can interfere with the intended reactions between the complement and the target antigen, ultimately affecting the results of the test. When controls are applied to check for these anticomplementary factors, the expected outcome is hemolysis. Hemolysis indicates that the complement system is functioning correctly; the intended reaction occurred, and the complement is able to lyse the red blood cells present in the system.

If anticomplementary factors were absent or ineffective, the complement would act normally, leading to hemolysis. This outcome serves as a confirmation of the proper function of the complement and the absence of interference in the test. The observation of hemolysis in control reactions thus becomes a crucial part of validating the reliability of the complement fixation test results.

Other potential results such as no reaction, partial hemolysis, or clear results suggest varying degrees of interference or issues with the complement system, which do not affirm the proper functioning of the test in the same way that hemolysis would.