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The term serology comes from the Latin sero (serum, a blood liquid) and ology (the study of). Many serologic testing procedures have been developed to determine the amounts of specific antibodies the individual has circulating in their bloodstream. These tests can help the physician diagnose disease conditions and develop appropriate treatment regimens. To understand serological testing in relation to blood typing and immunity—two major uses of serology—it is necessary to understand the structure and nature of blood cells and the workings of the human immune system.