Serology

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Blood test

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Serology

Normally, no antibodies are present. During the first few days to weeks of exposure to an antigen, however, there may be slight antibody production. As the disease progresses, more antibodies will be present. If a disease is suspected, the test may need to be repeated 10 days to 2 weeks after the first test.

If antibodies are detected, there has been exposure to an antigen. Detection of antibodies can be used to either diagnose an active or previous infection, or to determine if the individual is immune to re-infection by an organism. Some of the different diseases that can be detected include:

• measles
• rubella
• anthrax
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• viral hepatitis (various types)
• brucellosis
• amebiasis
• fungal infection
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
• tularemia
• syphilis

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• amebic liver abscess
• Fifth disease
• fungal arthritis
• meningitis, cryptococcal
• meningitis, H. influenza
• meningitis, meningococcal
• viral arthritis

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