Immunology/Serology

State Public Health Laboratory

The State Public Health Laboratory provides serologic screening and diagnostic laboratory testing in support of national, state, and local disease control programs; and reference testing for private health care providers. The unit is also responsible for the certification of laboratories throughout the state which perform prenatal tests for syphilis or tests for the detection of HIV infection. The Immunology/Serology Unit performs tests for HIV, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The Immunology Unit

• Tests blood serum for the presence of antibodies to syphilis using the RPR and TP-PA tests
• Tests spinal fluid for the presence of antibodies using the VDRL test
• Performs the ELISA and Western Blot for the presence of antibodies to HIV-1and HIV-2
• Performs the amplified Nucleic Acid Probe Test on swab or urine specimens for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Immunology is the scientific study of the way the immune system works in the body, including allergies, resistance to disease, and acceptance or rejection of foreign tissue.

Immune System is a group of cells, molecules, and organs that act together to defend the body against foreign invaders that may cause disease, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The health of the body is dependent on the immune system’s ability to recognize and then repel or destroy these invaders.¹

References:
1. "Immune System," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2003
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