Infektsiooniteste

Infektsiooniteste, also known as infection tests, are diagnostic procedures used to detect the presence of infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, in a sample of body fluid, tissue, or other material. These tests are crucial in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, guiding treatment decisions and helping to prevent the spread of infections.

There are several types of infection tests, each with its own method of detection. Commonly used tests include:

1. Culture tests, which involve growing the infectious agent in a controlled environment to observe its growth and characteristics.

2. Antigen tests, which detect specific proteins produced by the infectious agent.

3. Antibody tests, which identify antibodies produced by the body in response to the infection.

4. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as PCR, which detect and amplify specific genetic material from the infectious agent.

Infektsiooniteste are typically performed in clinical laboratories and require trained personnel to collect, process, and interpret the samples. The results of these tests are essential for confirming a diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. They play a vital role in public health surveillance, outbreak detection, and the control of infectious diseases.