Serology Test: Requirement and Results
What are Serology Tests? These tests are blood tests that locate antibodies in the blood. Such tests may include many laboratory techniques. There are different types of serologic tests which detect various conditions of diseases. A common factor among serologic tests is that they aim at proteins that are created by the immune system. This process of protein creation in the body helps fight against foreign invaders that lead to illness. Serology tests have the same process of test irrespective of the technique used by the laboratory. Why is a Serology Test Required? In order to understand the purpose of serology test, it is important to know a few things related to the immune system. There are antigens present in our body which aggravate a response from the immune system. They are microscopic in nature and usually cannot be seen with a naked eye. Antigens can enter an individual’s body through nasal passages, broken skin, or even
through the mouth. Antigens that affect people’s body include viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites. In order to protect the body against antigens, the immune system produces anitbodies. Therefore, through a blood test the doctor identifies types of antigens and antibodies present in the blood in order to detect the type of infection one has. What is the Meaning of Serology Results? There are of course, normal test results and abnormal test results. If the tests reflect no antibodies, it indicates that there is no past or current infection. So results that show the absence of antibodies are indicators of normal results. In terms of abnormal results, most often, the presence of antibodies reflects that there has been a response from the immune system to a particular antigen either from a current or a past foreign protein. The testing can show an autoimmune disorder or the presence of one or more antigens. Abnormal results can also diagnose illnesses such as measles, syphilis, HIV, amoebiasis, rubella, brucellosis, and other fungal infections. Diagnostic Centers There are a number of diagnostic centres where serology tests can be performed such as Apollo Diagnostic, SRL Laboratories, and Dr. Lal Path Labs. Clinical Pathology tests provide support to the diagnosis of various diseases detected by these tests.