The Molecular and Serological Analysis Group is divided up into two
sections: Diagnostic Serology and HIV/STD. For general questions about
serology see the Frequently Asked Questions page.Diagnostic Serology
Team
The Diagnostic Serology Team performs serological
screening and testing for a large variety of infectious diseases. Specimens are
tested for programs that include Maternal & Child Health, Family Planning, and Mental
Health & Mental Retardation. Tests for these programs include screens for
Hepatitis B, Rubella (German Measles), and syphilis. Tests are also performed that
confirm disease outbreaks including measles, and less commonly encountered diseases such
as Hantavirus and arboviral encephalitis. The team is staffed by six
microbiologists with backgrounds in Biology, Microbiology and Medical Technology.
The majority of specimens submitted are serum, but in some cases plasma and Cerebral
Spinal Fluid (CSF) can also be tested. On occasion the team also performs tests
on animals for surveillance of diseases such as Plague and Hantavirus. Any
questions about testing or interpretation of results may be addressed to the Diagnostic
Serology Section Chief, at (512) 458-7514. For a complete list of the tests
performed by this team along with descriptions of each disease, see the Serology Tests page.
HIV/STD Team
The HIV/STD Serology team performs serological
screening and confirmatory testing for two sexually transmitted diseases, Human
Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1), the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. We test
specimens for clinics, hospitals, blood and plasma centers and physicians all across the
state of Texas. We perform an average of 17,000 HIV screens per month, with a positivity
rate of 1.5%. In the syphilis lab, we perform about 8400 screens per month, with a
positivity rate of about 5%. The lab is staffed by seven technicians, with degrees in
Microbiology or Medical Technology. The majority of specimens submitted are serums,
although HIV testing can also be done on plasma, dried blood spot specimens and using a
new method of specimen collection, the OraSure device, which collects a sample of gingival
fluid from the mouth. Testing is also performed on cerebrospinal fluid, for neurosyphilis.
We participate in a number of serosurveillance programs across the state, to determine the
rates of STDs in various populations, such as adolescents, patients in drug treatment
facilities, people in the Texas prison system, women of childbearing age, and young women
of specific ethnic backgrounds. Any questions about testing or interpretation of results
may be addressed to the HIV/STD Team, at (512) 458-7657. For a
complete list of the tests performed in this section along with descriptions of each
disease, see the Serology Tests page.
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