Serology

Serology is the scientific study of serum, particularly in relation to the immune response and the presence of antibodies in the blood. It is commonly used in diagnostic testing to identify infections, autoimmune diseases, and blood types, as well as to monitor vaccine efficacy. Serological tests often involve techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), Western blotting, and agglutination tests to detect specific antigens or antibodies, providing valuable insights into an individual's immune status and exposure to pathogens.

Serology is the study of blood serum and its components, particularly antibodies, to diagnose and monitor diseases, including infections and autoimmune disorders. It involves various tests, such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and Western blotting, to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens in the serum, providing valuable information about immune responses and past infections. Serological testing is widely used in clinical settings for conditions like HIV, hepatitis, and more recently, COVID-19.

Serology is the study and diagnostic examination of blood serum, particularly the immune response to pathogens or the presence of antibodies against specific antigens. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing infections, autoimmune diseases, and blood type determinations. Through various techniques, such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and Western blotting, serological tests can effectively detect antibodies and antigens, providing valuable insights into an individual's immune status and exposure to diseases.

Serology is the study of blood serum, focusing on the immune responses in the body by detecting and measuring antibodies, antigens, and other immune system components. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing diseases, determining immune status, and conducting blood transfusions and organ transplants. Techniques employed in serology include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), western blotting, and immunofluorescence, among others. Additionally, serology is pivotal in monitoring outbreaks of infections and assessing vaccine efficacy.

Serologic tests have one thing in common. They all focus on proteins made by your immune system. This vital body system helps keep you healthy by destroying foreign invaders that can make you ill. The process for having the test is the same regardless of which technique the laboratory uses during serologic testing.

It’s helpful to know a little about the immune system and why we get sick to understand serologic tests and why they’re useful.

Antigens are substances that provoke a response from the immune system. They’re usually too small to see with the naked eye. They can enter the human body through the mouth, through broken skin, or through the nasal passages. Antigens that commonly affect people include the following:

• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Viruses
• Parasites

The immune system defends against antigens by producing antibodies. These antibodies are particles that attach to the antigens and deactivate them. When your doctor tests your blood, they can identify the type of antibodies and antigens that are in your blood sample, and identify the type of infection you have.

Sometimes the body mistakes its own healthy tissue for outside invaders and produces unnecessary antibodies. This is known as an autoimmune disorder. Serologic testing can detect these antibodies and help your doctor diagnose an autoimmune disorder.