About Immunology & Serology:
Immunology and serology are critical branches of pathological testing that focus on the body’s immune system and its response to infections, allergens, and autoimmune disorders. These tests play an essential role in diagnosing diseases, monitoring immune function, and guiding treatment decisions in modern healthcare.
Immunology:
Immunology studies the body’s defense mechanisms against harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It evaluates how the immune system recognizes and combats foreign substances and abnormal cells. Immunological tests can detect immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Examples include tests for immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), complement proteins, cytokines, and immune cell counts. These tests help physicians understand the functional status of the immune system and identify abnormal immune responses that may lead to disease.
Immunology & Serology
Serology:
Serology, a subset of immunology, focuses on detecting antibodies and antigens in body fluids such as blood serum. Serological tests are widely used to diagnose infectious diseases, determine immunity status, and screen for blood-borne infections. Common serology tests include those for hepatitis viruses, HIV, dengue, syphilis, rubella, and COVID-19, among others. By measuring specific antibodies or antigens, serology helps identify current infections, past exposures, or vaccination effectiveness.