Antibody Serology Tests
Antibody serology tests detect specific proteins in your blood that your immune system produces in response to infections or vaccinations.
What are antibody serology tests?
Antibody serology tests look for antibodies—proteins created by your immune system to fight pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Your body stores these antibodies after an infection or vaccination to provide future protection. It can take a few weeks for these antibodies to develop.
What are they used for?
These tests are used to:
- Determine if you have had a specific infection in the past.
- Check for antibodies related to autoimmune diseases.
- Assess if you need a booster shot for a specific disease.
- Monitor responses to treatments for conditions like cancer, organ transplant rejection, or inflammatory disorders.
Note: These tests are not used to diagnose active infections like measles, mumps, chickenpox, shingles, hepatitis, or mononucleosis. They also cannot distinguish between antibodies from a past infection versus those from a vaccination.
Why do I need an antibody serology test?
You may need this test to verify your vaccination status, prove immunity for school or work, identify if you have an autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or monitor the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody treatments.
What happens during an antibody serology test?
A health care professional will collect a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The process typically takes less than five minutes.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required.
Are there any risks to this test?
Risks are minimal and limited to slight pain or bruising at the needle site, which usually resolves quickly.
What do the results mean?
Results may be reported as titers (levels), positive, or negative:
- Positive: Antibodies were found, indicating past infection or vaccination.
- Low levels: May indicate that a previous vaccination no longer provides sufficient protection, suggesting a need for a booster.
While these tests confirm an immune response, they do not guarantee full protection or indicate how long that protection will last. If autoantibodies (which attack healthy cells) are detected, your provider may order further testing for autoimmune conditions.