A phagocytosis assay is simply a method of measuring the phagocytosis activity (which is the cellular process of engulfing solid particles, including bacteria, dead tissue cells, and small mineral cells.)

In short, the assay is prepared by incubating stained phagocytic cells (the ones that are supposed to be engulfed) along with macrophages, and the result may be counted with the use of a microscope. This can not only indicate the strength of the immune system, but also identify what types of cells are being engulfed.

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