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Moving past serology: Diagnostic options without serum
Michael P Reichel1, Sasha R Lanyon2, Fraser I Hill3
1School of Veterinary Medicine, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5371, Australia.
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|May 11, 2016
Summary
This review explores diagnostic testing beyond serum, comparing traditional serology with newer pathogen detection methods like PCR. It highlights specimen types and techniques for improved infectious disease diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical diagnostics
- Infectious disease detection
- Clinical microbiology
Background:
- Serology traditionally detects serum antibodies to infections.
- Established methods include complement fixation, ELISA, and immunofluorescence.
- Emerging technologies enable direct pathogen detection, such as PCR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diagnostic testing options using non-serum specimens.
- To compare advantages and disadvantages of various techniques.
- To provide evidence supporting broader adoption of alternative methods.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of diagnostic modalities.
- Analysis of specimen types beyond serum.
- Comparison of serological versus direct pathogen detection.
Main Results:
- Non-serum specimen testing offers alternative diagnostic pathways.
- Direct pathogen detection (e.g., PCR) provides rapid results.
- Specific specimen types have unique benefits and limitations.
Conclusions:
- Widespread use of alternative specimen types and techniques is supported.
- Integrating diverse diagnostic approaches can enhance infectious disease management.
- Further research can optimize non-serum based diagnostic strategies.
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