Final answer:
Agglutination tests are used to detect whole antigens by causing particles to clump together visibly, using latex beads coated with antigens or antibodies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whole antigens are detected in agglutination tests. In an agglutination test, antibodies can cause cells or large particles to clump together into a visible matrix, which can be observed either on a slide, a card, or in a microtiter plate. This type of assay is useful for identifying specific antigens, such as bacteria, or for determining the presence of specific antibodies in a patient's serum by using latex beads coated with an antigen or antibodies. When these beads come into contact with antibodies or antigens in a patient's serum, the corresponding agglutination indicates a positive reaction, implying the whole antigens or antibodies are present.