Serology

The Serology department at Rejath Lab specializes in detecting antibodies and antigens in the blood, providing essential insights into the immune response to infections, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions. Serology plays a pivotal role in diagnosing infectious diseases, determining immunity status, and monitoring disease progression.

Key Functions and Capabilities:

1. Infectious Disease Testing: Serological tests are vital for detecting infections by identifying antibodies or antigens in response to pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

• Hepatitis Panel (A, B, C):
• Purpose: Detects antibodies (IgM/IgG) and antigens related to hepatitis viruses to diagnose acute or chronic infection.
• Clinical Use: Helps diagnose hepatitis, monitor the course of the infection, and determine immunity post-vaccination.
• HIV Testing (HIV-1 and HIV-2):
• Purpose: Detects antibodies and antigens to diagnose HIV infection.
• Clinical Use: Essential for early detection of HIV and monitoring disease progression.
• Test Types: ELISA, Western Blot, and rapid diagnostic tests.
• Syphilis Testing (RPR, VDRL, TPHA):
• Purpose: Screens for syphilis by detecting antibodies produced in response to Treponema pallidum.
• Clinical Use: Diagnoses syphilis, monitors treatment efficacy, and detects past infection.
• COVID-19 Antibody Testing:
• Purpose: Detects antibodies (IgG/IgM) to SARS-CoV-2 to determine past infection or post-vaccination immunity.
• Clinical Use: Useful for determining prior infection and immunity status following vaccination.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Serology:
• Purpose: Detects antibodies to Mycobacterium tuberculosis to identify tuberculosis infection.
• Clinical Use: Typically used in combination with other tests (e.g., Mantoux test, IGRA) to diagnose latent or active TB.

2. Autoimmune Disease Testing: Serological tests are crucial in diagnosing autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues.

• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test:
• Purpose: Detects antinuclear antibodies, which are often present in autoimmune conditions.
• Clinical Use: Helps diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, and other connective tissue disorders.
• Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP):
• Purpose: Detects autoantibodies associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Clinical Use: Diagnoses RA and helps differentiate it from other forms of arthritis.
• Anti-DNA and Anti-Smith Antibodies:
• Purpose: Detects specific antibodies associated with lupus.
• Clinical Use: Confirms the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

3. Immunity Status and Vaccination: Serological tests are often used to determine immunity against certain infections and to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines.

• Rubella, Measles, Mumps IgG Testing:
• Purpose: Detects IgG antibodies to confirm immunity against these viral infections.
• Clinical Use: Determines immunity status, particularly for pregnant women, healthcare workers, or those exposed to infections.
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibody Test:
• Purpose: Measures immunity against chickenpox or shingles.
• Clinical Use: Useful for individuals who are uncertain about their immunity or need proof of immunity for employment or healthcare purposes.
• Rubella, Measles, Mumps IgG Testing:
• Purpose: Detects IgG antibodies to confirm immunity against these viral infections.
• Clinical Use: Determines immunity status, particularly for pregnant women, healthcare workers, or those exposed to infections.
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibody Test:
• Purpose: Measures immunity against chickenpox or shingles.
• Clinical Use: Useful for individuals who are uncertain about their immunity or need proof of immunity for employment or healthcare purposes.

4. Allergy Testing: Serological tests for allergies help in detecting specific allergens that trigger immune responses.

• IgE Antibody Testing:
• Purpose: Measures total IgE and specific IgE antibodies to various allergens (food, environmental, or seasonal allergens).
• Clinical Use: Diagnoses allergic conditions like hay fever, asthma, food allergies, or drug reactions.

5. Blood Group Serology: Blood typing and cross-matching are essential for ensuring safe blood transfusions and organ transplants.

• Blood Typing (ABO and Rh Factor):
• Purpose: Identifies a patient’s blood type (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factor (positive or negative).
• Clinical Use: Critical for safe transfusions, organ transplants, and during pregnancy to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
• Coombs Test (Direct and Indirect):
• Purpose: Detects antibodies against red blood cells, useful in diagnosing hemolytic anemia and transfusion reactions.
• Clinical Use: The direct test identifies antibodies bound to red blood cells in conditions like autoimmune hemolytic anemia, while the indirect test detects free antibodies in the blood, often used before transfusions.

6. Pregnancy and Fertility Testing: Serological tests play a significant role in diagnosing pregnancy and assessing fertility issues.

• Beta-hCG Test:
• Purpose: Measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels to confirm pregnancy.
• Clinical Use: Early pregnancy detection and monitoring, as well as diagnosing certain types of tumors (e.g., choriocarcinoma).
• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test:
• Purpose: Measures AMH levels to assess ovarian reserve and fertility.
• Clinical Use: Helps evaluate a woman’s reproductive health and predict response to fertility treatments.

7. Toxicology and Drug Testing: Serological testing is used to detect drugs or toxins in the blood, often in clinical or forensic settings.

• Toxicology Screens:
• Purpose: Detects and quantifies drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs, and toxic substances.
• Clinical Use: Used in cases of suspected poisoning, drug overdose, or drug abuse monitoring.

Advanced Techniques and Automation:

Rejath Lab utilizes state-of-the-art equipment such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA), and automated serology analyzers to ensure accuracy, precision, and quick turnaround times. Stringent quality control processes are in place to ensure the reliability of serology test results.