Serologic

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Serology is the scientific study of serum and other bodily fluids. In practice, the term usually refers to the diagnostic identification of antibodies in the serum.[1] Such antibodies are typically formed in response to an infection (against a given microorganism), against other foreign proteins (in response, for example, to a mismatched blood transfusion), or to one's own proteins (in instances of autoimmune disease).

History[edit | edit source]

The idea of serology was first observed by scientists such as Louis Pasteur and Emil von Behring. Behring received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1901 for his work on serum therapy.[2]

Techniques[edit | edit source]

Serological tests may be performed for diagnostic purposes when an infection is suspected, in rheumatic illnesses, and in many other situations, such as checking an individual's blood type. Serology blood tests help to diagnose patients with certain immune deficiencies associated with the lack of antibodies, such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia. In such cases, tests for antibodies will be expected to be negative.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Serology". Retrieved 2021-09-30.
  2. "The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1901". Retrieved 2021-09-30.
Serologic Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD