serologisiin
Serology is a branch of laboratory medicine that studies immune responses in blood serum, typically focusing on antibodies and antigens. Serologic tests detect either antibodies produced in response to infection or vaccination, or antigens from pathogens, allowing indirect identification of current or past infection, immune status, or exposure to a specific antigen.
Historically, serology developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with key contributions from Karl
Laboratory methods include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, immunofluorescence assays, agglutination tests, and rapid lateral
Applications include infectious disease diagnosis (HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis), vaccination monitoring, seroprevalence studies, autoimmune
Interpretation: A positive antibody test may reflect past infection or vaccination; a negative result does not
Quality and safety: Serologic testing relies on validated assays, proper specimen handling, and quality controls. Laboratories