Antibody Serology Tests
Antibody serology tests look for specific antibodies in your blood.
Antibody serology tests look for specific antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to fight disease-causing germs (also called pathogens), such as viruses and bacteria . Your immune system creates antibodies after you've been: Infected with or exposed to a pathogen. Vaccinated against a pathogen. In both cases, your body stores the antibodies so that they can fight that pathogen if you're ever exposed to it again. A vaccine, however, teaches your body how to make antibodies before you're ever exposed to a pathogen. This way, you don't have to get an infection before developing immunity. It may take a few weeks for your body to make antibodies after you have had an infection, been exposed to a pathogen, or had a vaccine. Other names: antibody titer test, antibody test, antibody serum test
Why is this test ordered? You may need this test: To find out if you've had a recent or past infection. To check your vaccination status. If your medical records are incomplete, you may need this test to find out if you've been vaccinated. To find out if a vaccine is effective. If you've already been vaccinated against a disease, the test can show if your vaccine is providing enough protection. As a requirement for your school or job. Some organizations may require proof of past infection or vaccination. To find out if you have an autoimmune disease, such as lupus . If you're receiving any treatment that involves monoclonal antibodies.
Clinical Interpretation
Your results will depend on which antibodies were measured. Results may be given as titers (levels of antibodies), positive (you have antibodies), or negative (you do not have antibodies). Common results for antibody serology tests that look for endogenous antibodies include: Antibodies to a specific pathogen were found. This may mean you had an infection before. It could also mean you've been vaccinated against a certain disease. Low levels of certain antibodies were found. This may mean an earlier vaccination does not provide you with enough protection against a disease. It also means you may need a booster shot. While antibody serology tests can show that you have an immune response to a pathogen, they cannot show if you have full protection from it or how long that protection lasts. Results for antibody serology tests that look for monoclonal antibodies depend on the type of treatment you are receiving. Talk to your provider about what these results mean. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
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You don't need any special preparations for an antibody serology test.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.