Final answer:
Hemolysis in the complement fixation test is a negative interferent indicating no infection, whereas bilirubin acts as a positive interferent in tests like the Coombs' test and the Van Den Bergh test, often associated with conditions like jaundice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Would hemolysis be considered a positive or negative interferent? What about bilirubin? Hemolysis and the presence of bilirubin act as interferents in various biochemical tests. In the context of a complement fixation test, hemolysis is considered a negative interferent because it indicates the absence of specific antibodies; hence, the complement system remains unbound and is free to lyse the indicator red blood cells. In contrast, in the direct Coombs' test, a positive result indicates the presence of antibodies that have bound to red blood cells, often leading to their destruction and hemolysis. Bilirubin, particularly when present in high levels (hyperbilirubinemia), can also interfere with diagnostic tests, causing false results. In tests like the indirect Van Den Bergh test, elevated levels of bilirubin are indicated by a change in color, so in this case, it is a positive interferent signaling a condition such as jaundice.
In summary, the correct answer to the question would be c) Negative, Positive.