Serology, also known as serum science, is a branch of medicine that deals with methods of analyzing serum samples. All techniques used to study serum samples are included under the field of serology. Doctors specialized in this field are called serologists.
Serum is a liquid with a consistency similar to light syrup. It has a yellow color and a clear appearance. The difference between serum and plasma is that serum does not contain fibrinogen. Fibrinogen is a substance that causes clot formation by precipitating fibrin in the affected area. The lack of fibrinogen in serum prevents the observation of any clotting.
The components and structure of serum are important topics. The serum samples used can help us gather information about a person’s health. Changes in the quantity or structure of certain substances in the composition can provide valuable insights for disease diagnosis.
One liter of blood contains approximately 400 grams of serum. Serum can also be used as a medicine in the treatment of various diseases. This is because the antibodies in serum help the body fight diseases. Serums used in disease treatment are usually obtained from animals. The serum, which is injected into the person after being collected from cows, plays a healing role in many diseases.
Serological tests, performed using serum samples, provide doctors with valuable insights on various conditions. Serology tests conducted by specialists in Private Viromed Laboratories help patients recover their health in the shortest possible time. The reliable and sterile environment of the laboratory contributes to the accuracy of serological tests.
How are Serological Tests Performed? Serological tests are blood tests used to detect antibodies in the blood. These tests are useful in diagnosing infections and diseases transmitted through blood. The information obtained from the test helps in the detailed analysis of antibodies and microorganisms in the body.
Two key components are involved in serological tests: antigens and antibodies. By using a known antigen, the details of an unknown antibody can be discovered, or vice versa, using a known antibody to detect an unknown antigen.
Two important concepts in serological tests are sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity reflects the likelihood of finding antibodies in the test. Specificity refers to the ability of the test to detect the specific antibody being investigated.
Serological tests are often used in microbiology for various purposes, such as disease diagnosis, calculating antibody titers, measuring the strength of an individual’s immune response, and detecting biological substances in tissues.
New technological techniques contributing to the application of serology tests are utilized in our laboratory.
Immunofluorescence Test This test uses antibodies marked with fluorescent compounds to investigate the presence of suspected antigens or other factors. It can be classified as an immunohistochemical method. To apply this test, a cell culture, conjugate, virus, serum, and fluorescent microscope are required.
For antigen detection, direct immunofluorescence is used; for detecting antigens or antibodies, indirect immunofluorescence is used; and for detecting antibodies, neutralization immunofluorescence is applied. A positive result can be an important clue for disease diagnosis.
Western Blot Test The Western Blot test is commonly applied to patients suspected of having HIV. It uses an enzyme that detects HIV antibodies and causes a color change. It is also used in molecular biology to detect the presence of specific proteins in protein solutions.
A blood sample from the suspected individual undergoes SDS-PAGE. The proteins identified through electroblotting are transferred onto a membrane. By using antibodies that bind to specific proteins on the membrane, the presence or quantity of the target protein is analyzed.
Immuno-PCR Immuno-PCR is another method used to detect antigens. It involves amplifying the DNA fragment specifically bound to the antigen-antibody complex and then analyzing the results.
ELISA Test ELISA, which stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, is a test based on antigen-antibody reactions. Many techniques and assays related to antigen-antibody reactions are grouped under the ELISA category.
In the ELISA method, the antigen or antibody being examined is labeled with an enzyme. This enzyme causes color changes in the substrate. The observed color change is measured using a spectrophotometer, and the results are interpreted.
Factors Affecting Serological Tests Several factors can cause serological tests to produce unexpected results. These factors should be minimized as much as possible to ensure the accuracy of the results.
For Example, the Collection Site: The location from which the sample is taken can significantly affect the results. Since the primary substances being investigated in serological tests are antigens and antibodies, it is best to collect the sample from the site of infection.
If the patient shows no infection symptoms, a sample can be collected from a region with abundant blood flow. The collection site should be cleaned and covered with sterile cotton.
Purity of the Sample: Antigens and antibodies are the two key components of serology tests. The samples collected for the test must be protected from external contaminants. The introduction of microorganisms from the outside can lead to contamination, which may affect the purity of the sample.
A contaminated sample can provide inaccurate results about the patient’s health. Therefore, the sample should be kept away from foreign substances and molecules.
Storage of the Sample: If the sample cannot be immediately transported to the laboratory or tested, it must be carefully preserved. Samples stored under appropriate hygienic laboratory conditions at the correct temperature will minimize the margin of error in the test. Keeping the sample in sterile containers or laboratory tubes is an important detail in maintaining the integrity of the sample.
The Health Status of the Individual: The current health status of the person undergoing the test can impact the results. For example, in a person tested for HIV, if there is an undiagnosed or asymptomatic disease, unexpected results may be observed. The person should provide complete and accurate personal and health-related information before being tested.
Private Viromed Laboratories provide all necessary conditions for serological tests with their diligent staff, meticulous laboratory environment, and comprehensive equipment. You can safely rely on Private Viromed Laboratories, which will be with you at every stage of your disease diagnosis and treatment process.
Diseases Investigated in Serological Tests Serological tests, which detect antigens and antibodies in the blood, help in diagnosing various diseases.
Brucellosis (Malta Fever) Brucellosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Brucella. It is usually transmitted from infected animals to humans through direct contact or consumption of animal products such as meat and milk.
Brucellosis can also be called Mediterranean fever, Malta fever, undulant fever, Crimean fever, or Bang’s disease. It was first identified in 1887 from infected individuals in Malta and is named after the scientist Dr. Bruce.
Brucellosis occurs more frequently in men than women. People consuming unpasteurized animal products, those living in regions where brucellosis is common, farm workers, and microbiologists are among the risk groups.
The symptoms of brucellosis are nonspecific and usually appear 5–30 days after infection. Fever, back pain, muscle aches, loss of appetite, weight loss, and night sweats are common complaints. Treatment usually involves antibiotics for at least 6 weeks, and in some cases, treatment may take longer.
Amebiasis Amebiasis is an infection affecting the human colon, caused by the Entamoeba histolytica parasite, commonly known as amoebic dysentery. It is more common in younger individuals but can affect people of all ages.
Symptoms appear 1 week to 4 months after parasite contact and include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever.
The aim of treatment is to eliminate symptoms and remove the parasite from the body. Medication is administered based on the patient’s age and the stage of the disease.
Syphilis Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted sexually and can cause serious health issues if untreated. It can also be passed from mother to child.
People who have sexual contact with infected individuals, those with multiple sexual partners, those engaging in unprotected sex, and those with another sexually transmitted disease are at higher risk of syphilis.
The incubation period for syphilis ranges from 3 to 30 days. Symptoms are observed in four stages, with each stage becoming more severe:
In the first stage, painless, red bumps with smooth edges appear around the genitals. If untreated, these bumps disappear, but the person is not healed.
The second stage involves fever, fatigue, and sore throat and muscle aches.
The third stage is known as the latent stage and can last for many years without symptoms.
In the final stage, syphilis begins to damage internal organs.
Penicillin is crucial in the treatment of syphilis. After two days of treatment, the infection can no longer be transmitted, and the disease itself may be cured within two years.
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