What is a clinical test used for detecting viral infections other than culture?

A clinical test used for detecting viral infections other than culture can include various methods that identify the presence of viruses or their components in a sample. Detecting viral proteins or antigens, which is what viral antigen detection does, is a direct way to determine if a virus is present in the body, making it a widely used technique for diagnosing infections like influenza or RSV.

Hemagglutination is a phenomenon where viruses agglutinate red blood cells, which can indicate the presence of certain viruses like influenza. This method exploits the virus's ability to bind to sialic acid on the surface of red blood cells, providing a quick and simple way to assess infection.

Hemadsorption involves the process by which some viruses can cause infected cells to adsorb red blood cells due to receptor interactions. This method serves as an indicator of infection in laboratory settings, although it is primarily used for research rather than clinical diagnosis.

All of these methods contribute to the detection of viral infections without relying on traditional culture techniques, making the encompassing choice correct. Each method mentioned can play a significant role in diagnosing different viral infections and thus, reflects the variety of approaches available for clinicians in the diagnostic process.