Immunological blood test - a method used by specialists in the field of medicine to determine the patient's ability to resist serious bacterial and viral diseases. Diagnostic results determine the level of immune defense by evaluating the qualitative and quantitative parameters of cells and the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream.
How body defense works
Foreign agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, chemicals and toxic substances) that enter the human body are called antigens. The immune system responds to their invasion by the active production of so-called antibodies - specific formations on the surface of lymphocytes aimed at binding to antigens and their further inactivation.
Maturation, differentiation and formation of immune cells occur in the following organs:
- bone marrow located in large bones;
- thymus;
- tonsils;
- The lymph nodes.
Blood purification from foreign agents associated with blood cells occurs in the spleen. Lymphocytes are transported throughout the body and spread to different areas with lymphatic flow through the lymphatic vessels. This is the peripheral part of the immune system.
Indications for diagnosis
An immunological blood test is prescribed in the following cases:
- often recurring diseases of infectious origin;
- severe infectious disease;
- acquired or congenital immunodeficiency;
- the presence of an autoimmune disease;
- allergic conditions;
- the need for extensive serious surgical interventions;
- postoperative complications;
- monitoring the results of receiving immunomodulators in dynamics;
- anorexia;
- intoxication of a different nature;
- tumor processes;
- diabetes;
- the development of serious side effects while taking medication.
Immunogram values are not decrypted by laboratory workers. The results of the examination are evaluated by the attending specialist.
Immunological blood test
Obtaining the final results of the analysis includes a whole range of measures aimed at determining the quantitative and qualitative indicators of immune cells - immunoglobulins. In most cases, in the direction of analysis, the specialist indicates which link in the work of protection factors needs to be assessed.
A complete immunogram, the price of which is in the range of 5-6 thousand rubles, is a rather lengthy and time-consuming screening, so laboratory workers determine only those indicators that a doctor needs.
Blood is often taken to study the following immunological factors:
- Quantitative indicators of serum immunoglobulins M, A, G, E.
- Components of complements C3, C4-2.
- Functional activity of immune cells.
- Phagocytic index.
- Proliferative activity of lymphocytes.
- Quantitative indicators of subpopulations of immune cells.
Key Performance Overview
An immunogram analysis primarily determines the level and performance of immunoglobulins. The largest number (about 75%) is occupied by immunoglobulins G. It is they who are able to penetrate the placental barrier from the mother’s body to the fetus, creating their own protective system of the baby.
If an immunological blood test shows an insufficient amount of IgG, this may indicate the presence of a tumor of the lymphatic system of a malignant nature or a person's developmental lag. A high level indicates liver pathology, an autoimmune or infectious disease.
IgM occupies a tenth of all other immunoglobulins. They appear at the initial stage of the development of the disease. IgMs include rheumatoid factors and anti-infection immunoglobulins. High rates indicate the development of cirrhosis or hepatitis.
IgA make up 15% of the total mass of immunoglobulins. They are factors in the protection of the mucous membranes. An immunological blood test shows an elevated level with the development of lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, myeloma, and alcohol poisoning.
During the first 14 days of the disease, IgA appears. For another 7 days, IgMs are added to their number. By the end of the month from the onset of the development of the disease in the blood, antibodies of class A, M and G can be determined. While the patient is recovering, IgA and IgG remain in the circulatory system, but their quantitative indicators decrease by 2-4 times.
There are also IgE and IgD. These antibodies appear with allergic manifestations and helminthic invasions. In a healthy person, they have low rates.
Alloimmune antibodies
These are specific antibodies that appear in the body against red blood cell antigens. Their production can be caused by Rh-conflict pregnancy or blood transfusion. It is based on the recognition of the Rhesus factor of donated blood as foreign.
Analysis is prescribed in the following cases:
- the period of bearing a child for the prevention of rhesus conflict;
- monitoring of those pregnant women who have a negative Rh factor;
- history of miscarriage ;
- the development of hemolytic disease of the newborn;
- examination of the patient before blood transfusion.
Antisperm antibodies
An immunogram, the price of which indicates the use of high-quality innovative diagnostic methods, allows you to evaluate the presence of antisperm antibodies in the blood. This method is used as an additional diagnosis of infertility of couples.
Antibodies can be detected not only in the blood, but also in the mucus of the cervical canal, on the surface of sperm, in the plasma of seminal fluid. Doubtful indicators are in the range of 55-60 units / ml. Upon receipt of such results, repeated examinations are carried out after 14 days.
Immunodeficiency
Distinguish between primary and secondary immunodeficiency states. Primary - congenital, resulting from pathology at the gene level. Secondary - acquired, which develop throughout life under the influence of various physical and biological factors.
There are also physiological immunodeficiencies that occur at certain stages of the development of the body:
- immunodeficiency of a newborn - due to the transition from the presence of maternal immunoglobulins in the blood to develop their own;
- immunodeficiency of pregnant women - occurs against the background of the action of placental steroids on complement activity;
- senile immunodeficiency - due to a decrease in the intensity of the production of protective cells, a decrease in the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, macrophages, and bactericidal activity of serum.
To restore the immune system during the development of pathological deficiencies, the principles of correction are used:
- Immune engineering - transplantation of bone marrow, liver, thymus gland, the introduction of immunoglobulins, hemosorption, immunosorption.
- The introduction of hormones and mediators - interferon, interleukin, hormonal factors of the thymus.
- Drug treatment.
Rules for preparing for analysis
Biochemical studies require the collection of morning venous blood (on an empty stomach until 12:00). The day before the intake of material, it is necessary to abandon alcohol, tobacco smoking, and limit physical activity. In the morning before going to the laboratory, you can drink only water.
On the day of blood donation do not take any medications. If this is not possible, then inform the laboratory staff about this factor so that the assessment of the results is not erroneous. Biochemical studies are carried out before any diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
An immunological blood test, the decoding of which is carried out by an immunologist or treating specialist, has the following advantages:
- the ability to obtain accurate results;
- definition of the disease in the early stages of development;
- correction of drug therapy after determining the ratio of immune defense indicators;
- help with difficulty making a diagnosis.
The disadvantage is the long diagnostic process, if necessary, to assess the full picture, since there are a huge number of immune factors requiring a quantitative conversion.
Conclusion
The immunogram is a reliable and accurate analysis. Its implementation requires highly qualified laboratory doctors. Decryption will determine the state of the body’s defenses, confirm or refute the diagnosis, select an effective treatment regimen and increase resistance to infectious diseases.