What is the term for the process in which red blood cells are clumped together by an antibody?

The process described, where red blood cells clump together due to the interaction with antibodies, is known as agglutination. This occurs when antibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system, bind to specific antigens present on the surface of red blood cells. When they bind, the antibodies link the cells together, forming visible clumps. This phenomenon is crucial in blood typing and compatibility testing, as it helps identify blood groups and Rh factors.

Agglutination can signify either a normal immune response or an inappropriate reaction, such as in the case of transfusion mismatches. It is an important biological process with applications in immunology and diagnostics, highlighting how the immune system interacts with cellular components in the bloodstream.

The other processes listed involve different mechanisms: coagulation pertains to the process of blood clotting; hemolysis refers to the destruction or rupture of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the surrounding fluid; and phagocytosis is the process by which certain cells engulf and digest larger particles, including pathogens or debris. Each term describes distinct biological activities that do not directly pertain to the clumping of red blood cells by antibodies.