An antibody defends the body against bacteria, viruses, fungus, or other foreign body (antigen). Certain cells�tell the body to produce antibodies during an active infection.

In the initial stage of an illness, few antibodies may be detected. Antibody production increases during the course of an infection. For this reason, such tests are often repeated several weeks after the first test is done.

This complement fixation test looks to see if� the body has produced antibodies to a specific antigen -- in this case�the C.burnetti bacteria.�If the antibodies are present, they stick, or "fix" themselves, to the antigen, that's why the test is called "fixation."

The test specifically looks for the antibodies in�the clear liquid portion of the blood called the serum. (The general term for such a technique is called serology.)

Antibodies are rarely produced in�people with acute C. burnetti�infections. Instead, the presence of such antibodies usually indicate chronic Q fever.

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

A needle is inserted to draw blood. You may feel moderate pain, or�only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

The test is performed to detect Q fever.

The presence of no antibody to C. burnetii is normal. People with past exposure may have antibodies, even if they are not aware that they were exposed.

Abnormal results show a rise in the antibody titer, which indicates possible Q fever.

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.