What does serology mean?
Serology is the branch of medical science concerned with examining blood serum. Because serum can contain antibodies and antigens, serological testing can provide evidence of infection, previous exposure, or an immune response to another substance. It has been especially important in the diagnosis and study of infectious diseases, although the term also covers the wider analysis of serum and the immune system. In everyday use, “serology” may name the field itself or, by extension, the relevant laboratory testing. The word is technical but broadly familiar, particularly in medicine and public health. Its usefulness lies in turning blood-based immune markers into evidence about a patient's condition, helping clinicians make diagnoses, assess past exposure, and sometimes guide treatment or preventive care.
nounSerology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and analysis of blood serum, especially the detection and measurement of antibodies or antigens.
- The medical study and analysis of blood serum, particularly for detecting antibodies or antigens associated with infection or disease.
"Serology confirmed that she had been exposed to the virus."
"The laboratory used serology to identify antibodies associated with the infection."
"Her medical history included serology for several infectious diseases before surgery."
The plural is uncommon and is used mainly for separate analyses, results, or branches of serological work.
"Serologies from two laboratories produced conflicting results."
Serology reads the immune system's history in a drop of blood, revealing evidence of infection or past exposure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does serology come from?
Serology was formed in English by combining serum with the scientific suffix -logy. Serum comes from Latin serum, meaning “whey” or liquid, while -logy comes from Greek -logia, denoting the study of a subject. Together, the elements literally express the study of serum, reflecting the field's development alongside advances in laboratory medicine and immunology.
Related word forms
How serology is actually used
Serology is formal and chiefly used in medicine, immunology, and laboratory science. It most often refers to the discipline as a whole, while individual antibody or antigen tests may be described as serological tests.
Easily confused with serology
Serology is the medical study and analysis of serum, whereas serum is the blood component that is examined.