What is the purpose of serologic testing?

The purpose of serologic testing is primarily to detect antibodies or antigens present in a patient's serum. This type of testing is essential in diagnosing various diseases, particularly infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and some cancers. By identifying the presence of specific antibodies (which indicate an immune response to an infection) or antigens (which are substances that provoke an immune response), serologic tests help in determining the presence or history of infections, the need for vaccinations, and overall immune status.

This method is widely used in clinical laboratories because it provides valuable information quickly and efficiently. For instance, serologic tests can confirm infections like HIV, hepatitis, and Lyme disease by detecting either the antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the pathogen or the antigens produced by the pathogen itself.

The other options involve different aspects of medical testing. Measuring blood glucose levels pertains to the management of diabetes, a biochemical test rather than a serologic test. Evaluating complete blood count is related to assessing overall blood health, including red and white blood cells and platelets, which is not specific to serologic testing. Assessing liver function typically involves tests that measure specific enzymes and substances in the blood, not antibodies or antigens.