What are antibody serology tests?

Antibody serology tests check for the presence or level of specific antibodies in the blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances. These substances are often pathogens, (disease-causing germs) such as viruses and bacteria. When you have an infection, your body makes antibodies that are targeted to those pathogen. These antibodies may protect you from getting another infection or from getting severe symptoms. A vaccine can also provide protection by triggering your immune system to make antibodies to pathogen.

An antibody serology test can show that your immune system can fight off certain diseases.

Other names: antibody titer test, antibody test, antibody serum test