Serology

Serology is the study and laboratory testing of blood serum for antibodies, antigens, and other immune-related markers. It is used to investigate infections, immune status, and some other conditions.

Antigen–antibody interaction: The specific binding of an antibody to an antigen through complementary molecular features. This binding is the recognition event that many serological assays detect.
Serodiagnosis: Diagnosis of disease through the detection or measurement of antibodies or antigens in serum. It is the principal clinical use of many serological tests.
Blood serum: The fluid remaining after blood has clotted and its cells and clotting components have been removed. Serum is the specimen named in serology and carries many measurable immune markers.
Culture microbiology: The growth and identification of microorganisms under controlled laboratory conditions. Culture seeks viable organisms, whereas serology detects immune markers or antigens.
Karl Landsteiner: An Austrian-born immunologist and pathologist whose work established the ABO blood group system. His studies of blood agglutination showed the diagnostic value of serum reactions.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: A laboratory assay that uses enzyme-linked reagents to detect or measure antigens or antibodies. ELISA converts target binding into a measurable color change.
Seroprevalence: The proportion of a population with detectable antibodies to a specified infectious agent or antigen. Serological surveys estimate how widely an infection has reached a population.
Antibody: An immune-system protein that specifically binds an antigen. Serological tests commonly detect antibodies produced after exposure or vaccination.
Polymerase chain reaction: A method that amplifies selected DNA sequences for detection or analysis. PCR detects genetic material rather than the host's antibody response.
Paul Ehrlich: A German physician and scientist who developed influential theories of immunity and introduced chemotherapy concepts. His work helped establish antibody-based explanations of immune specificity.

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