Serology

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Blood test

Overview

Risks

Results

Serology

Normal Values:

Normally, no antibodies are present. During the first few days to weeks of exposure to an antigen, however, there may be slight antibody production. As the disease progresses, more antibodies will be present. If a disease is suspected, the test may need to be repeated 10 days to 2 weeks after the first test.

What abnormal results mean:

If antibodies are detected, there has been exposure to an antigen. Detection of antibodies can be used to either diagnose an active or previous infection, or to determine if the individual is immune to re-infection by an organism. Some of the different diseases that can be detected include:

measles
rubella
anthrax
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
viral hepatitis (various types)
brucellosis
amebiasis
fungal infection
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
tularemia
syphilis

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Review Date: 3/2/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel R. Alexander, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.