Serology: meaning, definitions and examples
🧪
serology
[ ˌsɪəˈrɒlədʒi ]
medical testing
Serology is the scientific study of serum, particularly the immune responses in serum. It involves the examination of blood serum to identify the presence of antibodies or antigens, which can indicate an immune response to infections or diseases. Through various serological tests, healthcare providers can diagnose diseases, monitor immune status, and evaluate vaccine effectiveness. Serological tests often play a crucial role in outbreak investigations and epidemiological studies.
Synonyms
antibody testing, blood testing, immune analysis.
Examples of usage
- The doctor ordered a serology test to check for hepatitis infection.
- Serology can help determine past exposure to diseases like COVID-19.
- Researchers used serology to track the spread of antibodies in the population.
Translations
Translations of the word "serology" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sorologia
🇮🇳 सीरोलॉजी
🇩🇪 Serologie
🇮🇩 serologi
🇺🇦 сироваткова діагностика
🇵🇱 serologia
🇯🇵 血清学
🇫🇷 sérologie
🇪🇸 serología
🇹🇷 seroloji
🇰🇷 혈청학
🇸🇦 علم المصل
🇨🇿 serologie
🇸🇰 serológia
🇨🇳 血清学
🇸🇮 serologija
🇮🇸 sýklógi
🇰🇿 серология
🇬🇪 სეროლოგია
🇦🇿 serologiya
🇲🇽 serología
Etymology
The term 'serology' originates from the Latin word 'serum', which refers to the clear fluid that separates from blood when it clots. The suffix '-logy' comes from the Greek 'logos', meaning 'study of'. The combination of these roots marks serology as the study of serum. Historically, the development of serological techniques began in the late 19th century, which coincided with advancements in understanding the immune system and infectious diseases. With the discovery of antibodies and the development of immunological assays, serology became a key branch of clinical medicine. Over time, it has evolved to include a variety of diagnostic methods, significantly enhancing disease detection and epidemiological research.