Types of Serologic Tests
Antibodies are very diverse. Because of this, various tests are conducted to detect their presence. These tests are usually done in a serological centrifuge. Serologic tests are blood tests that detect antibodies in the bloodstream. However, they have one thing in common: they look for proteins made by the immune system. Serologic tests are conducted to learn more about a person’s immune system and how it responds to the presence of substances that threaten its regular activities. These tests determine the existence of the following antigens in the immune system:
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bacteria fungi viruses parasites
Types of serologic tests The most common types of serologic tests conducted on patients are: ● agglutination assay – this test indicates whether antibodies exposed to certain types of antigens will result in particle clumping ● precipitation test – this process determines whether the antigens are similar by measuring the presence of antibodies in body fluids ● Western blot test seeks antimicrobial antibodies in the blood by studying their reaction with targeted antigens How serologic tests are conducted 1. A blood sample is taken from the patient and placed in a testing tube. 2. The blood sample is run in a serological centrifuge to separate its components. 3. The separated components are then studied to detect the presence of antibodies currently affecting the patient’s health condition. After a serologic test, the physician can provide a proper diagnosis of a patient’s condition. The physician can then recommend appropriate care and treatment, such as prescribing antibiotics or antiviral medication, lifestyle improvements, or require an additional test to determine other underlying medical concerns related to what the patient is currently experiencing.