Final answer:
Viral tests detect the presence of the virus, while antibody tests detect the presence of antibodies in response to an infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Viral Tests vs. Antibody Tests in Medical Diagnosis
Viral tests and antibody tests serve different purposes in medical diagnosis:
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- Viral tests detect the presence of the virus itself. These tests can be done using techniques like culturing the virus from lesions, immunostaining methods, or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for DNA amplification. Viral tests are useful for diagnosing active infections, determining the viral load, and detecting systemic infections.
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- Antibody tests detect the presence of antibodies produced by the immune system in response to an infection. These tests are commonly used for serological diagnosis of infectious diseases. Antibody tests can help determine if a person has been previously infected or has developed immunity. They are not effective in diagnosing active infections or early-stage infections.
It is important to understand the purpose and limitations of each type of test when using them in medical diagnosis.