Serology

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Serology is literally the "scientific study of the blood serum." In practise, however, it usually refers to the diagnostic identification of antibodies in the serum. Such antibodies may be formed against a 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).

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.

Some serological tests are not limited to blood serum, but can also be performed on other bodily fluids such as semen and saliva, which have (roughly) similar properties to serum.

There are several serology techniques that can be used depending on the antibodies being studied. These include agglutination, precipitation, complement-fixation and fluorescent antibodies.

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 consistently negative.