What do detergents in vaccines do?

What do detergents in vaccines do?

• A. They prevent adhesion of vaccine molecules to the glass.
• B. They increase viscosity.
• C. They neutralize toxins.
• D. They hydrate the solution.

Answer: (A)

Detergents in vaccines act as surfactants that keep vaccine components from sticking to surfaces. By reducing adhesion to container walls or stoppers, they help maintain the amount and form of the antigen in the dose, preserving potency during storage and handling. This stabilizing role is why detergents are included. They don’t raise viscosity, neutralize toxins, or hydrate the solution—their job is to prevent molecules from adhering to glass or other materials.

Detergents in vaccines act as surfactants that keep vaccine components from sticking to surfaces. By reducing adhesion to container walls or stoppers, they help maintain the amount and form of the antigen in the dose, preserving potency during storage and handling. This stabilizing role is why detergents are included. They don’t raise viscosity, neutralize toxins, or hydrate the solution—their job is to prevent molecules from adhering to glass or other materials.