Serology test of the 23 serotypes of the pneumococcal vaccine – Eurofins – Spain

To carry out this test, the following procedure is followed:

1. A sample of blood is drawn from the vein in the patient's arm and placed in a tube.
2. A serological analysis is performed using the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique to detect specific antibodies against pneumococcus in the blood sample.
3. In the ELISA technique, pneumococcus proteins are used that bind to antibodies present in the blood sample. If antibodies are present, a protein-antibody complex will form and will be detected by the addition of a color-changing chemical.
4. The result of pneumococcus serology is reported as the concentration of antibodies against the bacteria in the blood sample. Elevated antibody levels suggest recent exposure or active pneumococcus infection.

How is the pneumococcal vaccine test performed?

The pneumococcal vaccine test is performed by administering the pneumococcal vaccine and evaluating the patient's response to the polysaccharide antigens present in the vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is a vaccine that contains a combination of polysaccharides from different strains of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, which is a common cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections.

The pneumococcal vaccine is administered by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection into the patient's arm. Following administration of the vaccine, the patient's immune system is expected to produce specific antibodies against the polysaccharide antigens present in the vaccine.

Serological tests can be performed to measure the levels of antibodies against the polysaccharide antigens present in the vaccine in the patient's serum before and after the administration of the vaccine. Antibody levels are measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or agglutination assay.

What does this test analyze?

The levels of antibodies against the polysaccharide antigens present in the vaccine.

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