===== 🧬 Serology =====

**Serology** is the branch of [[immunology]] that studies **blood serum** and other bodily fluids, focusing primarily on the **detection of antibodies and antigens** related to infections and immune responses.

==== 🔍 What it detects ====

  * **Antibodies** (e.g., IgG, IgM) produced in response to specific pathogens  
  * **Antigens** from viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms

==== 🧪 Common Applications ====

  * Diagnosing [[viral infections]] (e.g., HIV, HCMV, hepatitis)
  * Monitoring **immune status** or **past exposure**
  * Evaluating [[autoimmune diseases]] (e.g., lupus, Sjögren's)
  * Assessing **vaccine response**

==== ⏱️ Timing Matters ====

  * **IgM** antibodies indicate **recent or acute infection**
  * **IgG** antibodies suggest **past exposure** or **long-term immunity**