What is one advantage of performing antiglobulin testing using low ionic strength solution (LISS) instead of other enhancement media?

• A. Shortened incubation period
• B. Increased strength of agglutination
• C. Higher false positive rate
• D. Requirement of more reagent

Answer: (A)

Low ionic strength solution speeds up the antibody–antigen interaction during incubation. By lowering the salt content, the electrical repulsion between red cells is reduced and antibodies can approach and bind antigens more quickly. In antiglobulin testing, this means IgG-coated red cells form agglutination more rapidly, allowing a detectable reaction after a shorter incubation period. This time-saving benefit is the main reason LISS is used. While other media can influence the strength or specificity of reactions, the standout advantage of LISS is the reduced incubation time needed to observe agglutination.