Immunology
In biomedical science, immunology the study of the response or reaction of any organism to antigenic challenge(s) and the organism’s ability to recognize what is self and what is foreign. It fundamentally covers all the defense mechanisms of an organism, comprising chemical, biological and physical characteristics that aid the organism to fight predisposition to foreign material, organisms, etc.
The most common immunology test is the allergy test for individuals who are suspected to be allergic or have allergic reactions to certain elements. The Blood tests for allergen specific IgE (RAST) is mostly used. The blood tests involve drawing of blood from a vein. Blood is drawn from the back of the hand or inside of the elbow. This is done by cleaning up of the area from which blood will be drawn. An elastic band is wrapped around the upper arm. This is to apply pressure to the veins so they can swell, making blood extraction much easier and safer. Only 5ml of blood is required for this test. The sample is stored in sterile screw capped containers. There is need for quality control due to the fact a small glitch can have catastrophic results.
Serology
In biomedical science, serology is the scientific study of body fluids, particularly the plasma serum. It is mainly used to describe the identification of antibodies present in the serum using diagnostic techniques and procedures.
Serology tests involve drawing of blood from a vein. Blood is drawn from the back of the hand or inside of the elbow. This is done by cleaning up of the area from which blood will be drawn. An elastic band is wrapped around the upper arm. This is to apply pressure to the veins so they can swell, making blood extraction much easier and safer. Only 5ml of blood is required for this test. The sample is stored in sterile screw capped containers. There is need for quality control due to the fact a small glitch can have catastrophic results.
Clinical Chemistry
In clinical pathology, clinical chemistry (otherwise known as medical biochemistry, clinical biochemistry or chemical pathology) is the study and analysis of bodily fluids.
The most common tests that are carried out in clinical chemistry is Urinalysis
Urinalysis is the analysis of the chemical make-up and content of urine. Tests are carried out to test for particular diseases, effusions and CSF among others. The specimen is usually collected in a small plastic container. Since about 3ml of urine sample is needed for the urine culture and 20ml for the regular urine tests and studies, 30ml to 60ml is collected for the whole urinalysis procedure. The urine is transferred to the testing facility in the same sample collection bottle used. There is little quality control measures for this process since once the bottle is sealed, it is opened only in the testing facility and is well labeled.
Hematology
In pathology, internal medicine, clinical laboratory work, pediatrics and physiology, hematology is the scientific study of blood, organs involved in formation of blood and diseases related to the blood.
The most common test conducted in hematology is the full blood count (FBC). The blood sample is drawn and collected similar to serology tests.
Microbiology
This is the scientific study of microscopic organisms. The organisms studied can either be unicellular, multicellular or acellular. Microbiology is founded in the fields of bacteriology, parasitology, virology etc.
The most common test done in microbiology is the blood culture. The extraction and transportation of the sample is similar to serology tests.
References
Tietz, N. W. (1995). Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co.
Treseler, K. M. (1995). Clinical laboratory and diagnostic tests : significance and nursing implications. Norwalk: Appleton & Lange.
Wu, A. H. (2006). Tietz Guide to Laboratory Tests. St. Louis: Saunders/Elsevier.
