Kahn test

noun

, Medicine/Medical.

1. a test for syphilis based on the formation of a precipitate in a mixture of serum and antigen.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Kahn test¹

First recorded in 1960–65; named after R. L. Kahn (1887–1979), American bacteriologist, who developed it

Example Sentences

Like every other procedure designed for this purpose, the Kahn test had a flaw: it occasionally gave "false positive" reactions, indicating syphilis where there was none.

From Time Magazine Archive

Every member is X-rayed once a year, given a tuberculin test, a complete clinical examination, a Wassermann and Kahn test for syphilis.

From Time Magazine Archive