Serological Tests: Introduction, Some Common Serological Tests and Detection Methods

Introduction of Serological Tests

Serological tests also known as serology tests or antigen or antibody tests are any of several laboratory procedures carried out on blood specimens (the serum-an amber-colored, protein-rich fluid that separates out when blood coagulates) for the purpose of detecting antibodies or antibody-like substances that appear specifically in association with certain clinical conditions or diseases. Common examples of serology tests are precipitation, flocculation, agglutination, neutralization, hemagglutinin-inhibition tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), radioimmunoassay (RIA) and chemiluminescence immunoassays.

Some Common Serological Tests and Detection Methods

Common serological tests as well as alternative detection methods are as follows-

S.NoSerological AssaysMethod/s
1.CRP (C-Reactive Protein)Nephelometry/Latex agglutination
2.RF (Rheumatoid Factor)Nephelometry/Latex agglutination
3.ASO (Anti-Streptolysin O)Nephelometry/Latex agglutination
4.Malarial antigen testImmunochromatography
5.Scrub Typhus AntibodyImmunochromatography/ELISA/PCR
6.LeishmaniaImmunochromatography/ELISA/ PCR
7.Dengue IgG/IgM, NS1Immunochromatography/PCR
8.BrucellaImmunochromatography/ELISA/ PCR/Brucella agglutination Test
9.LeptospiraImmunochromatography/PCR/MAT
10.H. Pylori antibodyImmunochromatography/ELISA/PCR
11.H. Pylori antigenImmunochromatography/ELISA/PCR
12.COVID-19 Ag/Antibody or genes testImmunochromatography/ELISA/PCR
Table: Common serological assays

Keynotes

  • Serology tests are common tests even in low-setup laboratories.
  • HIV, HBsAg, and HCV are the most prevalent tests in serology.
  • Most of the rapid serology tests work on the principle of immunochromatography.

Pictures pertaining to Serological Tests

Blood samples for serological tests

Blood samples for serological tests
Fig. Blood samples for serological tests

Dengue NS1 antigen positive while antibodies IgM and IgG negative

Dengue NS1 antigen positive while antibodies IgM and IgG negative
Fig. Dengue NS1 antigen positive while antibodies IgM and IgG negative

SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid test-Negative

SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid test-Negative
Fig. SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid test-Negative

SARS-CoV-2 antigen test-positive

SARS-CoV-2 antigen test-positive
Fig. SARS-CoV-2 antigen test-positive

Widal Test for Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever

Widal Test for Typhoid Fever
Fig. Widal Test for Typhoid Fever

Helicobacter pylori rapid test negative

Helicobacter pylori rapid test negative
Fig. Helicobacter pylori rapid test negative

Hepatitis A Virus Rapid Test-Negative

Hepatitis A Virus Rapid Test-Negative
Fig. Hepatitis A Virus Rapid Test-Negative

Scrub Typhus (Tsutsugamushi) IgM & IgG Rapid Card Test-Positive

Scrub Typhus (Tsutsugamushi) IgM & IgG  Rapid Card Test-Positive
Fig. Scrub Typhus (Tsutsugamushi) IgM & IgG Rapid Card Test-Positive (IgM) and Negative (lower test device)

Urine pregnancy test (UPT)-Positive

Urine pregnancy test (UPT)-Positive
Fig. Urine pregnancy test (UPT)- Negative (left) and Positive (right)

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test-Positive

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test-Positive
Fig. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test-Positive

A collection of serological test devices

A collection of serological test devices
Fig. A collection of serological test devices

RPR Test Reactive

Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test-Reactive
Fig. Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test-Reactive

Scrub Typhus Rapid Antibody Test-Positive

Scrub Typhus Rapid Antibody Test-Positive
Fig. Scrub Typhus Rapid Antibody Test-Positive

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