The term serology refers to both the study of general antigen-antibody reactions in a laboratory setting and the specific blood test conducted to test for the presence of antibodies. A serology test is performed to determine a patient's blood type and to test for and identify an infection, giving serology applications in the fields of health care and criminology.
Antigen-Antibody Relationship
Antigens are microorganisms that have the potential to cause infection in the body. When the body is exposed to an antigen, it produces antibodies that are designed to fight the specific antigen invader. Sometimes, antigens are present in the blood, but there is no apparent infection. In this case, serology tests can be performed to test the levels of antibodies in the blood; if the levels increase, the body is fighting an infection.
Serological Tests
The blood test can be either qualitative, to see if there are antibodies, or quantitative, to determine the levels of antibodies in the blood. Agglutination and precipitation tests are performed to determine the type of infection.
The agglutination test involves taking the culture of antigens mixed with antibodies and examining it under a microscope to see if clumping occurs. The precipitation test determines the similarity of antigens. The antibodies are placed in agar gel with the antigens. A line forms where the two interact.
History
The pioneer of serology is an Austrian biologist named Karl Landsteiner. In 1901, he discovered and classified the blood types A, B and O and the Rhesus (Rh) factor. His assistant discovered type AB later. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930. Further testing of blood by scientists pinpointed the difference between the female and male chromosomes, making it possible to determine sex via blood alone. A scientist named Paul Uhlenhuth devised a method for recognizing human blood from other species of animals.
Criminology
Due to Uhlenhuth's work, forensic scientists can test blood found at crime scenes or on collected evidence for species, sex and type. This technology increases the efficiency of criminal investigations and provides the court of law with reliable data in trial situations.
Considerations
Serology the science may be complex, but for a patient undergoing a serology test, it is as simple as getting your blood drawn. Either a nurse or a doctor performs the test in a clinical setting. The risks are the same as any other blood draw: excessive bleeding, nausea, hematoma and infection of the site. The blood is tested in a laboratory to determine if you have an infection and what type it is.
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