Serology in the xxi century: is it still of interest?

Serological techniques have developed in recent years, and are now more sensitive, automated and easier to interpret. However, serology in often being replaced by direct diagnosis based on molecular biology, essentially PCR (polymerase chain reaction) techniques. Nevertheless, in some cases, serology continues to be an essential feature in the routine work of microbiology laboratories, such as in screening pregnant wo-men, studies of transplant donors and recipients, diagnosis of certain viruses and bacteria, and epidemiological and prevalence studies. The improved speed, sensitivity and specificity of direct diagnostic methods will probably continue to decrease antibody-based diagnosis. Thus, serology will not be relevant in the management of acute patient infections; however, it will continue to be relevant in population-based studies and in certain syndromic studies, with more automated and more sensitive, specific and cheap methods. Supplement information: This article is part of a supplement entitled «SEIMC External Quality Control Programme. Year 2016», which is sponsored by Roche, Vircell Microbiologists, Abbott Molecular and Francisco Soria Melguizo, S.A. © 2019 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosasy Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.