Serology
The word serology relates to examination of serum which is derived from whole blood after clotting. Testing usually involves detection of antibodies (commoner) or antigens. Positive antibody results are used to confirm exposure and to distinguish between recent exposures (positive IgM results) and past infections/ immunity from natural infections or vaccination (positive IgG results). Conditions which can be screened for or diagnosed with serological tests at our laboratory include but are not limited to:
Bacterial infections e.g.
- Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection – antistreptolysin O titres (ASOT).
- Syphilis (Treponema pallidum) serology. Non-treponemal tests e.g. VDRL test Treponemal tests e.g. Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination (TPHA
- Brucella serology
Viral infections e.g.
- HIV infection serology
- Tests for viral hepatitis e.g. hepatitis A, B, C etc.
- Infectious mononucleosis/ EBV serology
Fungal infections e.g.
- Cryptococcal infection – Serum cryptococcal antigen (CRAG)
Parasitic infections e.g
- Toxoplasmosis serology