Centres/Laboratory/Immunology and serology

Immunology: infectious serology and autoimmunity

Immunology and serology in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Detection of antibodies and antigens: serology for hepatitis, HIV, toxoplasmosis, rubella and other infections, and measurement of the autoantibodies of autoimmune diseases.

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What is it?

Infectious serology detects in the blood the antibodies, or sometimes the antigens, directed against an infectious agent: hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, mononucleosis, Helicobacter pylori, and many others. It tells whether a person has encountered the microbe, whether the infection is recent or old, and whether they are immune, which is essential before and during pregnancy or before an operation. Autoimmunity concerns diseases in which the immune system attacks the body itself: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis, coeliac disease, autoimmune hepatitis, kidney or neurological disorders. The laboratory looks for and measures the corresponding autoantibodies (antinuclear antibodies, anti-DNA, anti-thyroid, anti-transglutaminase, etc.). These tests are performed on immunoassay analysers, within the ISO 15189 accreditation of the partner laboratory, and interpreted by the biologist according to the clinical context provided by the doctor.

When is it indicated?

Pregnancy work-up: toxoplasmosis, rubella, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis

These serologies protect mother and child by checking immunity and detecting infections to be treated.

Pre-operative work-up or before immunosuppressive treatment

Knowing the hepatitis and HIV status makes the operation and future treatments safer.

Screening for sexually transmitted infections

A simple blood sample allows confidential screening, with advice from the biologist.

Joint pain, chronic fatigue, suspected autoimmune disease

Autoantibody testing helps the rheumatologist or internist diagnose lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or another systemic disease.

Thyroid disorders

Anti-thyroid antibodies clarify the autoimmune origin of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Suspected coeliac disease

Anti-transglutaminase antibodies, completed if needed by HLA DQ2/DQ8 typing, guide the diagnosis before biopsy.

Preparation

1No fasting needed in most cases

2Bring the prescription and specify the context (pregnancy, date of a risk exposure, symptoms)

3Report a recent vaccination or immunosuppressive treatment

4For screening after exposure, respect the delay indicated by the doctor or the biologist

Procedure

Venous blood sample

Analysis on an immunoassay analyser

Confirmation tests in case of a positive or doubtful result

Interpretation and validation by the biologist in light of the clinical context

Report issued in full confidentiality

Duration

A few minutes for sampling; results the same day or within a few days depending on the tests

Results

The report indicates for each serology whether antibodies are absent or present and at what level, with the biologist's interpretation: acquired immunity, old or recent infection, need for a follow-up test. Sensitive results are delivered with strict confidentiality.

Risks and side effects

Small bruise at the puncture site

Some results require a second control sample later to be confirmed

These risks remain rare. Your physician will inform you in detail before the examination.

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At a glance

Duration: A few minutes for sampling; results the same day or within a few days depending on the tests

Preparation: Required

Other examinations

Haematology Biochemistry Microbiology Hormones and markers Allergy testing

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