Diagnostic Serology Section

The Diagnostic Serology section is located in the James A. Hayne Building in Columbia, S.C. and Provides:

testing to detect the immunologic markers of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Hepatitis.
high volume screening assays as well as specialized confirmatory testing for the public health system in South Carolina to assist in the efforts to monitor and limit the spread of disease.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The largest volume of testing is for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Chlamydia trachomatis, one of three chlamydial species, may cause asymptomatic infections in women leading to pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a major cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Pregnant women may also pass the infection on to their unknown born children during delivery, resulting in neonatal conjunctivitis and pneumonia. In men, the infection is responsible for 50-80% of the cases of nongonoccocal urethritis.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, commonly referred to as Gonorrhea, is frequently asymptomatic in women leading to pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated. In men, gonorrhea infection usually results in urethritis accompanied by a purulent exudate.
Syphilis screening, joining in the nation wide effort to eliminate this disease. Syphilis, which is easy to detect and cure, can lead to serious complications if left untreated resulting in spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and congenital syphilis.
HIV-1, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, on both serum and oral fluid samples. In addition, for patients testing positive for HIV-1, the detection of HIV-1 RNA or viral load is available to aid the physician in the treatment of the disease. (screening and confirmatory testing)

Hepatitis A is acquired through the fecal to oral route, usually resulting in a number of cases from the same source such as among children in a day care setting. Hepatitis A detection by IgM (acute) and IgG are available upon request.
Hepatitis B is most often transmitted parenterally. Testing is available for diagnostic and immune status purposes.
Hepatitis C, which is also transmitted parenterally, is known to be the major cause of nonA-nonB hepatitis. Enzyme immunoassay screening is available for the detection of antibody to Hepatitis C virus.