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Serology
Serological testing is an important group of diagnostic procedures providing information about specific antibodies or antigens in a patient’s blood and the body’s immune response to certain infections, allergens or autoimmune diseases. Serological testing determines the presence of specific antibodies (IgA, IgM and IgG) to different viruses.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a class of antibody playing a key role in mucosal defence and the immune defence system. Because of this local presence, IgA provides the first line of defence against pathogens.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a class of antibodies found in the intercellular space, protecting it from infection. Detecting this antibody can show a previous illness or immunisation.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is a class of antibodies that responds first to infection and indicates the acute phase of illness.
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Indication
Early disease detection: Serological tests enable early detection of various diseases, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Monitoring the disease course: Serology helps monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
Preventing infection spread: Identifying antibodies or antigens helps prevent infections spreading in the population.
Routine checks in pregnant women: Testing for certain antibodies, such as those to Toxoplasma, Rubella, CMV and Herpes (TORCH), may be part of routine examination during pregnancy to protect the fetus.
Method
The first step in serological testing is taking a blood sample, which is sent to a laboratory for processing. Serology uses several tests to detect antibodies or antigens in a patient’s blood; the most commonly used method is ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).
Tests
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen
- lgM / IgG class antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus early antigen
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Cytomegalovirus
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Varicella zoster virus
- IgA / IgM / IgG class antibodies to Candida albicans
- IgG / IgM class antibodies to Herpes Simplex 1
- IgG / IgM class antibodies to Herpes Simplex 2
- IgG / IgM class antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Toxoplasma
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to tick-borne meningoencephalitis
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Morbilli
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Mumps
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Rubella
- IgA / IgM / IgG class antibodies to Bordetella pertussis
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi
- IgM / IgG class antibodies to Chlamydia pneumonie
- IgA / IgG class antibodies to Chlamydia trachiomatis
Epstein-Barr virus
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serological testing is a key diagnostic tool for identifying antibodies and determining the immune response to this virus. EBV serological testing is recommended when infection with this virus is suspected, particularly in patients showing symptoms such as intense fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes or a sore throat.
Test selection
Understanding the difference between IgG and IgM antibodies is essential for selecting the right test and interpreting results.
IgG antibodies | IgM antibodies |
|---|---|
Indicates previous exposure to the virus; they remain in the body after the infection resolves, a long-term immune response
| Indicates active or recent viral infection; they appear before IgG antibodies and are present during the early stage of infection
|
EBV also has different antigenic components used in serological testing and diagnosis. Three key antigen types are VCA (viral capsid antigen), EA (early antigen) and EBNA (nuclear antigen), each with a different timing of antibody appearance.
VCA (Viral capsid antigen) | EA (early antigen) | EBNA |
|---|---|---|
IgM antibodies appear early in infection, indicating the acute phase.
IgG antibodies appear during the acute phase and remain after recovery, indicating previous EBV exposure.
| IgG and IgM antibodies appear during the acute phase of infection but disappear after several weeks.
In some cases, EA reactivation may indicate viral activation, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. | IgM antibodies to EBNA are usually absent.
IgG antibodies appear later in infection (usually several weeks to several months after onset) and remain for many years after infection.
|
Preparation and sample collection procedure
No special preparation is needed for the test. Medical staff take a blood sample and send it to the laboratory for analysis.
Analysis and indications
EBV serological testing is recommended when infectious mononucleosis is suspected, for monitoring the disease course and clarifying unexplained symptoms. The report provides a semiquantitative result, offering information about the overall status of the immune response to this virus. IgM antibodies usually indicate an active infection, whereas IgG antibodies indicate previous exposure to the virus. Doctors interpret results considering the ratio and dynamics of antibodies, providing a precise picture of the patient’s infection or immune response.
Results issued: 5-7 working days
Citomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) serological testing is a key diagnostic tool for detecting antibodies and assessing the immune response to this virus. CMV, a member of the herpesvirus family, is associated with various health conditions, including infections that can be serious, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Pregnant women should be particularly careful to avoid CMV exposure. If a pregnant woman acquires CMV infection for the first time during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of transmitting the virus to the fetus. This transmission can result in congenital CMV syndrome, which can cause serious problems in newborns.
Test selection
Understanding the difference between IgG and IgM antibodies is essential for selecting the right test and interpreting results.
IgG antibodies | IgM antibodies |
|---|---|
Indicates previous exposure to the virus; they remain in the body after the infection resolves, a long-term immune response
| Indicates active or recent viral infection; they appear before IgG antibodies and are present during the early stage of infection
|
Preparation and sample collection procedure
No special preparation is needed for the test. Medical staff take a blood sample and send it to the laboratory for analysis.
Analysis and indications
CMV serological testing is recommended when infectious mononucleosis is suspected, for monitoring the disease course and clarifying unexplained symptoms. The report provides a semiquantitative result, offering information about the overall status of the immune response to this virus. IgM antibodies usually indicate an active infection, whereas IgG antibodies indicate previous exposure to the virus. Doctors interpret results considering the ratio and dynamics of antibodies, providing a precise picture of the patient’s infection or immune response.
Results issued: 5-7 working days
Varicella Zoster virus
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) serological testing is a key diagnostic tool for detecting antibodies and assessing the immune response to this virus. VZV, a member of the herpesvirus family, is associated with infections with different clinical presentations. The disease is mostly benign, with complications occurring less commonly. It is characterised by fever, headache and an itchy rash.
Test selection
Understanding the difference between IgG and IgM antibodies is essential for selecting the right test and interpreting results.
IgG antibodies | IgM antibodies |
|---|---|
Indicates previous exposure to the virus; they remain in the body after the infection resolves, a long-term immune response
| Indicates active or recent viral infection; they appear before IgG antibodies and are present during the early stage of infection
|
Preparation and sample collection procedure
No special preparation is needed for the test. Medical staff take a blood sample and send it to the laboratory for analysis.
Analysis and indications
VZV serological testing is recommended when infection with this virus is suspected, particularly in people who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated. The report provides a semiquantitative result, offering information about the overall status of the immune response to this virus. IgM antibodies usually indicate an active infection, whereas IgG antibodies indicate previous exposure to the virus. Doctors interpret results considering the ratio and dynamics of antibodies, providing a precise picture of the patient’s infection or immune response.
Results issued: 5-7 working days
Candida Albicans
Candida albicans serological testing is a key diagnostic tool for identifying antibodies and assessing the immune response to this fungus. Candida albicans normally inhabits human mucous membranes and, at an optimal concentration, exists in symbiotic balance. Weakening of the host’s protective barrier leads to Candida overgrowth and symptoms affecting various organ systems, from the digestive, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems to metabolic and psychological disorders, frequent headaches and migraines.
Test selection
Understanding the difference between IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies is essential for selecting the right test and interpreting results.
IgG antibodies | IgM antibodies | IgA antibodies |
|---|---|---|
Indicates previous exposure to the virus.
They remain in the body after the infection resolves.
Long-term immune response.
| Indicates active or recent viral infection.
They appear before IgG antibodies.
They are present during the early stage of infection.
| The first line of defence against infections.
They are important for local defence.
They occur in mucosal and epithelial cells.
|
Preparation and sample collection procedure
No special preparation is needed for the test. Medical staff take a blood sample and send it to the laboratory for analysis.
Analysis and indications
Candida albicans serological testing is recommended when infection with this fungus is suspected, particularly in people with frequent recurrent infections or weakened immune systems. The report provides a semiquantitative result, offering information about the overall status of the immune response to this virus. IgM antibodies usually indicate an active infection, whereas IgG antibodies indicate previous exposure to the virus. Doctors interpret results considering the ratio and dynamics of antibodies, providing a precise picture of the patient’s infection or immune response.
Results issued: 5-7 working days
Herpes Simplex virus
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) serological testing is a key diagnostic tool for identifying antibodies and assessing the immune response to this virus. HSV can cause two types of infection – herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), which often causes lip lesions, and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2), which is more commonly associated with genital herpes.
Test selection
Understanding the difference between IgG and IgM antibodies is essential for selecting the right test and interpreting results.
IgG antibodies | IgM antibodies |
|---|---|
Indicates previous exposure to the virus; they remain in the body after the infection resolves, a long-term immune response
| Indicates active or recent viral infection; they appear before IgG antibodies and are present during the early stage of infection
|
Preparation and sample collection procedure
No special preparation is needed for the test. Medical staff take a blood sample and send it to the laboratory for analysis.
Analysis and indications
HSV serological testing is recommended for patients with symptoms such as pain, itching or lesions on the lips or genital area. It is also indicated in people at increased risk of infection, including pregnant women or partners of infected people. The report provides a semiquantitative result, offering information about the overall status of the immune response to this virus. IgM antibodies usually indicate an active infection, whereas IgG antibodies indicate previous exposure to the virus. Doctors interpret results considering the ratio and dynamics of antibodies, providing a precise picture of the patient’s infection or immune response.
Results issued: 5-7 working days
Parvovirus 19 IgG antibodies
Parvovirus 19 IgM antibodies
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) IgM antibodies
Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM + IgG antibodies
Chlamydia pneumoniae IgM + IgG antibodies
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) IgG antibodies
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) IgG antibodies
Infectious mononucleosis + CMV panel
TORCH test
Rubella IgG antibodies
Rubella IgM antibodies
Mumps IgG antibodies
Mumps IgM antibodies
Measles (Morbilli) IgG antibodies
Measles (Morbilli) IgM antibodies
Toxoplasma IgG antibodies
Toxoplasma IgM antibodies
Borrelia burgdorferi IgG antibodies
Borrelia burgdorferi IgM antibodies
Candida albicans IgA
