Serology is the scientific study of blood serum.
The word serology is often used to refer to the
diagnostic identification of antibodies in the serum
- which are generally produced in response to an
infection (against a specific microorganism), for
defence against other foreign proteins (e.g. in
response to a mismatched blood transfusion), or
to the person's own proteins (in cases of autoimmune
disease).
Serological tests may be carried out for diagnostic
reasons, in cases of in rheumatic illnesses, and
in many other situations, such as checking an individual's
blood type.
