Seroloogiliste

Seroloogiliste is the Estonian adjective describing things related to serology. In everyday usage, phrases such as seroloogiliste testide resulting from serological testing refer to the examination of blood serum to detect immune responses or pathogens. Serology is a branch of immunology focused on the study of serum components, especially antibodies and antigens, to understand exposure to diseases, immune status, and immune-mediated conditions.

Serological testing relies on antigen–antibody interactions. Tests detect antibodies produced in response to an infection or the presence of specific antigens from a pathogen. They are used for diagnosis, screening, surveillance, and monitoring of immune responses, including vaccination.

Common methods include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), Western blot, immunofluorescence assays, agglutination tests, and lateral flow immunochromatographic assays. These methods vary in sensitivity, specificity, speed, and required equipment, influencing their suitability for different settings.

Applications cover infectious disease diagnosis (for example HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and SARS-CoV-2), blood donor screening, assessment of immune status after vaccination, and autoimmune disease testing through autoantibody detection. Serological tests often complement molecular tests, providing information when direct pathogen detection is difficult or when evaluating previous exposure or immunity.

Limitations include the window period after infection before antibodies are detectable, cross-reactivity that can cause false positives, and the potential for false negatives in immunocompromised individuals. Proper interpretation requires clinical context, and positive results are frequently confirmed with additional testing.