Serology

The word serology means the detection of antibodies to a particular antigen. Antibodies appear in the circulation as part of an immune response to the presence of an antigen or infective agent (bacteria, viruses). Antibodies therefore are merely indicators of exposure to an infective agent and often only appear during the convalescent phase of an infection. The timing of a specimen is therefore crucial for the interpretation of serology results.

Most of our current assays utilize enzyme immunoassay technology (Elisa). The methodology is rapidly becoming more automated and performed on the same instrumentation as endocrinology assays. All the tests listed are performed at least once a day. Almost all tests that arrive at the laboratory during the evening will be performed and resulted by 07h00 the next morning.

The following serological tests are performed:
• Herpes Simplex Virus
• Epstein Barr virus serology
• Cytomegalovirus
• Rubella
• HIV combo
• Autoimmune profiles
• Rheumatoid arthritis profiles
• ASO Titers
• Cardiolipin
• Chlamydia
• Gonnococcal antibodies
• Schistosoma antibodies
• Syphillis serology
• Toxoplasma
• Rickettsial antibodies
• Thyroid antibodies
• Widal
• Yersinia
• Brucella
• Hepatitis studies
• Quanteferon TB
• Cotinine
• Helicobactor Pylori
• Measles
• Mumps
• Varicella
• HIV P24