Immunology and Serology
What are immunology and serology?
Immunology is the study of the body's immune system and its functions and disorders. Serology is the study of blood serum (the clear fluid that separates when blood clots).
Immunology and serology laboratories focus on the following:
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identifying antibodies (proteins made by a type of white blood cell in response to an antigen, a foreign protein, in the body)
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investigating problems with the immune system such as autoimmune diseases (when the body's immune system turns on its own tissues) and immunodeficiency disorders (when a body's immune system is underactive)
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determining organ compatibility for transplantation
Common immunology and serology tests:
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Test
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Uses
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Immunoglobulins
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To determine the state of an immunodeficiency and certain cancers
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Rheumatoid factor
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To classify arthritis and diagnose rheumatoid arthritis
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Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL)
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To diagnose syphilis, which then must be confirmed with a more specific test
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HLA Typing (Human leukocyte antigens)
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To determine compatibility in organ transplantation, to determine paternity and to diagnose HLA-related disorders
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