Serology

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Serology is the scientific study of blood serum. In practice, the term 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.

1 Forensic serology
2 Serology's impact on HIV/AIDS and other Blood Diseases in our World Today
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Forensic serology

Serological tests may also be used forensically, generally to link a perpetrator to a piece of evidence (e.g., linking a rapist to a semen sample).

[edit] Serology's impact on HIV/AIDS and other Blood Diseases in our World Today

Serology labs are capable of identifying not only HIV/AIDS but also a vast number of other blood and antibody illnesses, including Measles, Malaria, Rubella, and many more. Labs are as cheap as 50 to 60,000 U.S. dollars. Through the efforts of such world leadership programs as Rotary International, serology labs are saving lives around the world. More help is always needed however, if you are interested in helping or becomeing involved in a Serology Lab Service Learning Internship at several different colleges accross the United States, contact St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, Service Learning Department.