Immunologist Health Dictionary

As used by immunologists, this term refers to IgE antibodies. As used by microbiologists, it refers to antibodies produced in syphilis – probably in response to the tissue damage caused by Treponema pallidum. Production of these antibodies in patients with syphilis has been utilised in the development of the non-treponemal serological tests for syphilis such as the VDRL Test, the RPR Test and the now superceded Wasserman Complement Fixation Test. These tests are useful in that they are only positive in active syphilis but they have many biological false positive reactions, including pregnancy.... reaginic antibody

The discipline concerned with the immune system. Immunologists study the immune system’s functioning and investigate and treat immune system disorders, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, and immunodeficiency disorders such as AIDS. Immunologists are also concerned with finding ways in which the immune system can be stimulated to provide immunity. In addition, they play a role in transplant surgery, looking preoperatively for a good match between recipient and donor organ, and suppressing the recipient’s immune system after transplantation to minimize the chances of organ rejection.... immunology

a means of detecting rhesus antibodies on the surface of red blood cells that precipitate proteins (globulins) in the blood serum. The test is used in the diagnosis of haemolytic anaemia in babies with rhesus incompatibility in whom there is destruction of red blood cells (see haemolytic disease of the newborn). [R. R. A. Coombs (1921–2006), British immunologist]... coombs’ test