Serology

Normal values:

No antibodies are detected. However, during the first few days to weeks of exposure to an antigen, there may be slight antibody production. As the disease progresses, more antibodies will be present. If a disease is suspected, the test may need to be repeated 10 days to 2 weeks after the first test.

What abnormal results mean:

If antibodies are detected, there has been exposure to an antigen. Some of the different diseases that can be detected include:

• measles
• rubella
• anthrax
• brucellosis
• amebiasis
• fungal infection
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
• tularemia
• syphilis

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• amebic liver abscess
• Fifth disease
• fungal arthritis
• meningitis, cryptococcal
• meningitis, H. influenza
• meningitis, meningococcal
• viral arthritis