Immunogram - what is it? What does an immunogram show, how much does it cost and where is it taken? How to test immunity: symptoms and signs of poor immunity, testing and restoring immunity

Health problems indicate weakened immune defenses of the body. When the first signs of decreased resistance to infectious diseases appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor for an immunity test. This article will help you get acquainted with the nuances of the immunogram of adults and children.

Cough is a nonspecific protective reaction of the body. Its main function is to clear the airways of mucus, dust or foreign objects.

For its treatment, a natural drug “Immunity” was developed in Russia, which is successfully used today. It is positioned as a drug to improve immunity, but it eliminates cough 100%. The presented medicine is a composition of a unique synthesis of thick, liquid substances and medicinal herbs, which helps to increase the activity of immune cells without disturbing the biochemical reactions of the body.

The cause of the cough is not important, whether it is a seasonal cold, swine flu, pandemic flu, or elephant flu at all - it does not matter. An important factor is that this is a virus that affects the respiratory system. And “Immunity” copes with this best and is absolutely harmless!

When is a blood test for immunity necessary?

If a decrease in immune defense is detected, immunity tests are required. A comprehensive medical examination allows you to determine the state of immunity of an adult. However, not everyone can be prescribed a test to determine a person’s immune status.

An immunogram is prescribed in the following cases:

If you are sick and suspected of having HIV;
If you have an illness or are suspected of having cancer;
After the operations;
For frequent colds (more than 7 times during the year);
If your temperature rises for an extended period of time for no reason;
A blood test for immunity is prescribed for enlarged lymph nodes;
An immunogram is performed when symptoms appear: constant fatigue, drowsiness, apathy;
When the mucous membranes and oral cavity are affected by a fungus.

How to prepare?

Before performing a blood test for immunity, it is recommended to properly prepare for the immunogram. Following all the rules will allow you to obtain correct data regarding the immune status and determine the appropriate treatment in a particular case.

Rules for preparing for a blood test for immunity:

An immunogram is prescribed by a doctor after a preliminary examination of the patient;
Blood is donated in the morning between 7 and 10 o'clock. Eating food 8-12 hours before the test is prohibited. You can take water;
It is prohibited to drink alcohol one day before the test and smoke three hours before;
Before taking an immunogram, you should not use medications for several days;
It is not recommended to exercise before an immunity blood test.

How is a blood test for immunity performed?

To carry out a test to determine a person’s immune status, it is necessary to donate blood from a vein. The analysis determines the number of leukocytes and their activity.

When children fall ill with ARVI or influenza, they are treated mainly with antibiotics to reduce the temperature or various cough syrups, as well as in other ways. However, drug treatment often has a very detrimental effect on a child’s body, which has not yet become stronger.

It is possible to cure children from these ailments with the help of “Immunity” drops. It kills viruses in 2 days and eliminates secondary symptoms of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections. And in 5 days it removes toxins from the body, shortening the rehabilitation period after illness.

The immunogram involves the following stages:

At the first stage of the test, a general blood test is performed. As a result, the presence of diseases is determined;
If the presence of the disease has been established, it is recommended to undergo an immunogram. During a blood test, the area where the immune system is malfunctioning is determined.

The results of a blood test for immunity are assessed by an immunologist. The specialist checks the obtained indicators with the norm, taking into account the characteristic features of the body.

To obtain the most accurate data, it is recommended to undergo an immunogram several times: during the period of illness, during the recovery of the adult’s body and during the period of health. Based on all the results, the doctor can monitor the dynamics of immune activity and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Important to pay attention that women during their menstrual cycle cannot donate blood to test their immunity. A study must be carried out at the end of the cycle.

Methods for performing an immunogram:

Study of cellular immunity - the number of cellular elements and their types as a percentage are determined;
A blood test to examine humoral immunity - the presence of antibodies and globulins is taken into account;
Study for interferon status - during the immunogram, the number of signaling cellular elements is determined;
Complement system testing;
NST - analysis - during a blood test, the functioning of phagocytes is determined;
Test for ESP - eosophilic protein elements. An indicator exceeding the norm indicates the penetration of microbes.

Immunogram indicators

After completing a blood test for immunity, the results are sent to a specialist to determine the state of the immune system. Antibodies and immunoglobulins are used as indicators of immune status.

Checking the child

If it is necessary to conduct a blood test for immunity in a child, it is important to note that an immunogram is prescribed only after consultation with a doctor. Checking the state of the immune system of children is rarely prescribed, since the baby’s immune defense is formed during the first five years of life. During this period, the baby’s body strives to independently counteract pathogenic viruses and bacteria and develop its own defense. To conduct an immunity test, you need to obtain 50 ml of blood, which is the weight indicator for a child.

An immunogram is prescribed to a child in rare cases. If there are suspicions about the development of congenital diseases associated with the functioning of the immune system.

One of the complications of flu and colds is inflammation of the middle ear. Often, doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat otitis media. However, it is recommended to use the drug “Immunity”. This product was developed and passed clinical trials at the Research Institute of Medicinal Plants of the Academy of Medical Sciences. The results show that 86% of patients with acute otitis taking the drug got rid of the disease within 1 course of use.

In order to check the quality of the immune system as a whole, the patient needs to pass special immunity tests. One of them is a blood test for immunity.

The role of immunity

The human immune system is associated with age-related changes in the body. Internal and external factors determine constant changes in the norms of immune system indicators. This occurs from the moment of embryonic maturation.

Baby food plays a very important role in the formation of human immunity in the first two years of life. Subsequently, the immune system malfunctions after illnesses, as well as when any other system of the body (endocrine, digestive, nervous and circulatory) is disrupted.

It follows from this that malfunctions in the functioning of the immune system are accompanied by pathological trends developing in the human body.

A blood test for immunity allows you to make a comprehensive assessment in order to find out the state of the immune system.

Organs of the human immune systemIndications

Immunity is reduced in myeloma, congenital immunodeficiencies, pulmonary diseases and dysgammaglobulinemia. People who have undergone heart and other organ transplants, as well as people with AIDS, should periodically undergo testing to check their immunity.

Thanks to laboratory data and special immunological tests, diseases of the hematopoietic system of various etiologies (blood leukemia, neoplasms in the lymph nodes) are identified.

Indications for a blood test for immunity also include childhood diseases that threaten serious complications, for which immunomodulatory drugs are used.

A blood test for a child’s immunity is carried out after he has suffered viral infections, with frequent colds, with developing purulent infections (purulent ENT diseases, infectious bronchitis, etc.).

Blood test for immunity after suffering viral diseasesStep-by-step blood test

When performing complex blood biochemistry in adults and children, the procedure for conducting an immunogram must be followed.

First stage:

Initially, it is necessary to determine the amount of antibodies produced by the body in the blood, which lead to an enhanced fight against infections of viral origin (c-reactive proteins and interferons). This is called humoral immunity.

A blood test for the state of immunity shows how much of its components are present in the plasma, and how saturated it is with typical serum immunoglobulins.

A child who has frequent colds undergoes a single-level study. If the concentration of immunoglobulins is reduced, additional tests are performed to accurately determine the composition of the blood plasma. The second stage of the analysis identifies a certain immunoglobulin with a reduced concentration.

The result of the second stage is:

Determination of the rate of phagocytosis. How quickly immune cells destroy pathogenic microorganisms, as well as their ability to process these microorganisms.
determination of increased levels of lymphocytes in a blood test.

The third stage of the study allows a more accurate assessment of the state of the immune system. After this, the doctor prescribes drugs - immunomodulators.

As a result of the third stage of the study, the following is determined:

How much secretory immunoglobulins are contained in plasma?
How quickly phagocytes react to chemical stimuli.
How well do cytokines perform their function by forming and regulating the body’s defense reactions?
The process of cell adhesion.
Allergy to viral antibodies.

Carrying out a blood test to determine the concentration of the hormone is called in vitro analysis. With its help, some tumor types and malignant neoplasms are identified. Therefore, when taking an immunity test, in vitro analysis will be completely useful.

Laboratory blood test for hormonesPreparation

When faced with the obligation to have their immune system tested, a person needs to ensure that the test is done well and that they are as informed as possible about their current condition.

If the study is carried out in stages, there is a possibility of repeated analysis. And this is an additional stressful situation, an unidentified diagnosis and loss of precious time that could be devoted to treatment.

When donating blood for immunity, you must remember that some medications can affect the result. Globulin concentrations may change after taking an antibiotic.

We should also not forget that viral infections and inflammations cause an acute reaction of all components that make up the immune system. Therefore, a blood test should be carried out 30 days after the inflammation has been eliminated. It is not necessary to conduct such a study for a child who has recently started attending kindergarten.

The clinical picture and pathological changes in the body can only be assessed with the help of a comprehensive analysis of the state of the immune system. Diagnosis and initiation of treatment do not occur on the basis of an immunogram alone.

Changes in immunity parameters are possible due to previous diseases. However, identifying deviations from standard indicators does not always need to be corrected. The orientation is the clinical picture, which outlines the ongoing pathology. Correction is necessary when age-related indicators decrease by 28% and persist for a long time.

It is necessary to take into account that changes in indicator parameters occur with physical activity. If deviations from the standards are insignificant, then we can safely say that the immune system is functioning correctly.

In most cases, an immunological study establishes the presence of immunoglobulin types: A, M, G and, in some cases, immunoglobulin class E.

Immunoglobulin A fights harmful microorganisms on the mucous membranes and consists of secretory and serum proteins in the blood. Their presence can be detected in salivary fluid, in the intestinal and respiratory tract. Milk and tear fluid are rich in this protein. Fighter against bacteria and viruses.

Immunoglobulin M has the ability to dissolve microbial cells. Acute infections promote the production of globulin in the blood of this particular type.

Immunoglobulin G- the main link that makes up the blood serum. In relation to other globulins, it is 81% in the blood. Produces antibodies that help destroy toxins, viruses and other antigens. This is the main protective factor of the fetus during intrauterine development, as it can penetrate the placental barrier into the blood of the embryo. Subsequently, breastfeeding promotes the penetration of antibodies through the baby's intestines into the blood.

Immunoglobulin E or reagin provides antihelminthic immunity. But its main function is to recognize allergens.

The table shows the normal immunity test for each age group.

Age	Immunoglobulin A	ImmunoglobulinM	ImmunoglobulinG	Immunoglobulin E
From 1 to 3 months.
From 4 to 6 months.

From 2 to 3 years
From 4 to 5 years
From 6 to 7 years
From 10 to 11 years
12 – 13 years old

When deciphering a blood test for immunity, you should pay attention to what indicators have changed and by how much.

Increased and decreased indicators

If the concentration of immunoglobulin A is reduced, it means that a viral or chronic bacterial infection is developing in the body. Reduced rates are observed in people during the postoperative period.

A reduced concentration of immunoglobulin M indicates the presence of an infection caused by a virus that has entered the body or a disease with large protein loss.

Reduced levels of immunoglobulin G indicate chronic infections and the received dose of radiation.

The immune system helps our body resist negative effects, serious diseases, and block various processes associated with the development of tumors. When it malfunctions, there can be serious health problems, and to identify and eliminate “weak spots” of the immune system, there is a special blood test that allows one to study the immune status and shows the patient’s body’s ability to resist various infections.

When an immunogram is done in the laboratory, several tests of the main indicators are carried out at once, clarifying the status of individual parameters.

Determination of antibodies of various classes demonstrates the presence of infections in the body and the level of their development. By looking at the status of the ratio of immunoglobulins of different groups, you can determine the duration of infection and draw a conclusion about the course of the disease.
Determination of lymphocyte subpopulations makes it possible to determine the composition of each of the two existing groups of lymphocytes, and to notice their possible shortage.
An analysis of the phagocytic activity of leukocytes shows the activity of phagocytosis - the process of absorption of bacteria and harmful viruses to prevent their influence on the body.
C3 and C4 complement components are proteins from the complement system that play an important role in the process of inflammation, facilitating phagocytosis.
Analysis for CIC (circulating immune complexes) examines the antigen-antibody chain, which is formed as an immune response to the ingress of foreign microorganisms.

Blood analysis

When an immunogram is done, they mainly use blood taken from a finger or from a vein. The collected amount of blood is distributed into two test tubes, in one of which the blood immediately coagulates and contains the molecules needed for analysis and a clot containing formed cells; another tube contains a substance that prevents blood from clotting, so that the necessary cells are preserved in the form of a suspension.

If the doctor is interested in the immune status of the mucous membranes, saliva, mucus or tear fluid is taken for analysis. If you need to find out the immune status of the nervous system, they take cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but this happens in rare cases.

Indications for a blood test for immunity

If there are diseases of viral origin, allergic reactions, frequent pneumonia, long-term fungal infections, inflammatory chronic pathologies (bronchitis, sinusitis), autoimmune diseases (diabetes mellitus, etc.), HIV, oncology, pustular skin pathologies, secondary and primary immunodeficiencies, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of infectious origin, in which weight loss occurs; if you are after chemotherapy or after an organ transplant, you need to check your immune status.

There are also separate indications for a blood test for pregnant women if they have HIV, frequent relapses of herpes simplex, autoimmune pathologies, pregnancy with Rh conflict, continuous relapses of cytomegalovirus infection, pathologies of tissue interaction during pregnancy.

Immune status – normal/not normal

The blood test is deciphered only by an immunologist, and not just by a layman or a familiar nurse, since it looks like a long list of abbreviations with corresponding numbers that are understandable only to a specialist.

If the immune status, visible from a blood test, shows that most of the indicators are normal, with the exception of a few things, you will be asked to donate another portion of blood in 1.5-3 weeks to compare the results and obtain a more accurate diagnosis. If a blood test demonstrates a decrease in the level of phagocytes and their functional activity, a suppurative process may be present. When a T-lymphocyte defect can be observed, AIDS is most likely diagnosed. If the norm of IgE immunoglobulins is exceeded, one can judge about helminthic infestations or allergies, and if a deciphered immune blood test shows an increased level of leukocytes, there may be inflammation or an acute infection (in most cases, the number of lymphocytes increases during viral infections). In each situation, the doctor will select individual treatment.

To be confident in the health of your body and get rid of excessive suspiciousness, just do not forget to check your immune status and follow the doctor’s instructions.

What factors affect immunity (video)

It was my last year at school, and I still couldn’t decide on my future specialization. I absolutely loved the profession of a doctor. My grandmother, also a doctor, thought that I would make a good emergency doctor. Rate this article:

Symptoms of decreased immunity
How to determine the level of immunity?
How to increase the body's defenses?

First of all, it is worth noting that there are two types of immunity - humoral and cellular. Humoral immunity fights foreign microorganisms using immunoglobulin proteins for this purpose. Cellular immunity performs the task of detecting and neutralizing microbes with the help of leukocytes.

The main task of the body's immune system is to protect against microbes that can harm human health. In order to diagnose this body defense, a special analysis is performed - an immunogram. An immunogram will help determine the state of humoral and cellular immunity using the analysis of leukocytes and immunoglobulins.

Many people are often concerned about the question of how to test their immunity, because this is directly related to the state of the body’s protective function against various diseases.

Symptoms of decreased immunity

The human body often gives signals about what needs to be paid attention to. Before checking your immunity, you need to take a closer look at yourself and your well-being.

The general well-being of the body is the first sign to determine its protective functions.

If there is a constant feeling of weakness, chills, or malaise, then these symptoms should alert you. A weak state of immunity is indicated by constant headaches, a craving for sleep during the day and lack of sleep at night, and periodic body aches. Loss of appetite can also be a sign of a weak protective function of the body. A person’s immunity cannot cope with its task if more than 10 infectious diseases have been suffered in a year.

The condition of the skin is one of several factors in determining the body's level of defense. A weakened person has pale skin with rashes, peeling and skin inflammation. Decreased immunity is accompanied by dark circles under the eyes.

With a weak protective function of the body, the secretion of sweat with a characteristic heavy odor is increased. Often, increased sweating occurs for no particular reason.

Particular attention should be paid to the condition of nails and hair. When immunity is impaired, nails become brittle and weak. It happens that white spots appear on the nails or they become uneven. A weakened person's hair looks dull, often falls out, splits and breaks.

The state of the immune system is directly related to gut health. The fact is that more than 70% of immune tissues are concentrated in the intestines. Therefore, it is very important to keep it healthy.

Depression can also affect the reduction of the body's protective barrier. This is due to the fact that interleukins substances simultaneously take part in the functioning of the nervous and immune systems. Therefore, immunodeficiency and depression are interconnected, and you need to contact two specialists at once - a psychotherapist and an immunologist.

A complex multi-level structure of the body, aimed at protecting it from the introduction of foreign material: bacteria and their toxins, viruses, parasites, donor tissues, altered own cells, for example, cancer. If the immune system fails, the entire body is at risk. The test will show how strong your immunity is and whether you are able to repel the onslaught of infection.

Get checked!

Undoubtedly, the conditions of modern urban life expose human health to great risk. But even if you suspect that your immune system has failed, you first need to check whether you are exaggerating your ailments. The test will help determine how critical the state of your immunity is; perhaps you can restore it yourself.

Give you 10 points for each “yes” answer and 5 points for each “no” answer.

1. Are you extremely thin or overweight?

2. Do you get colds more than four times a year?

3. Do you sleep poorly, do you work too hard?

4. Do you lead a sedentary lifestyle?

5. Do you often overeat or eat few vegetables and fruits?

6. Do you like to sunbathe, do you spend your holidays by the sea?

7. Do you have any chronic disease?

8. Do you smoke or drink alcohol?

9. Do you get easily irritated or upset over trifles?

10. Do you have few friends and are you unhappy with your personal life?

11. Do you live in the city? Do you use public transport?

12. Do you have a hard job, are you responsible for all the household chores?

13. Have you had your tonsils removed?

14. Are you allergic?

15. Do you constantly have icy hands and feet?

16. Do you try to overcome any illness with the help of medications?

Test results

Up to 100 points. You have a pretty strong immune system. If you happen to get sick, it usually goes away without complications. Continue to take care of your health in the same way.

From 105 to 130 points. There is no reason for serious concern yet, but it is time for you to change your lifestyle.

From 135 to 160 points. You have very low immunity, so you complain of constant ailments. Get examined, visit a therapist, otolaryngologist and immunologist.

Want to boost your immunity? Change your lifestyle

Say “no” to lying on the couch, “yes” to exercise and fresh air! Stress is the main enemy of immunity, drive away worries and don’t be nervous. Try to get as many positive emotions as possible. But you need to start strengthening your immune system, of course, with nutrition.

Nutrition

Eat broccoli, carrots, dairy products, strawberries, kiwi, salmon, pine nuts, olive oil, turkey meat, and citrus fruits as often as possible. Add as much greenery as possible to your dishes - parsley, dill, celery roots and leaves. Regular consumption of pumpkin, zucchini, and squash gives a remarkable effect.

Include complete proteins in your diet; meat, fish, legumes. Meat or fish should be eaten every day, but beans, peas or lentils can be consumed 1-2 times a week.

Seafood. Unsaturated fatty acids contained in seafood and fish greatly increase the body's defenses. But prolonged heat treatment destroys the beneficial ones. Squid and seaweed are preferable.

Vegetables, fruits and berries are healthy. Try to love carrots, beets, cabbage, beans, radishes, red peppers, pomegranates, raisins, prunes, chokeberries, dried apricots, apples, red grapes, cranberries, nuts, horseradish, garlic, onions. Red grape wine (in moderate doses!) and juices with pulp (grape, beet, tomato, pomegranate) also help boost immunity.

- Don't forget about foods containing potassium. Most of it is found in potatoes baked in their jackets, dried apricots, nuts, buckwheat and oatmeal.

Drink green tea - the best remedy for removing radionuclides from the body.

Fermented milk products are very valuable, especially those that contain live bacteria. Feel free to drink them and use them to season salads and cold soups. The methionine they contain helps eliminate toxins.

Eat more foods that increase the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body. Their list includes onions and leeks, garlic, artichokes and bananas.

Vitamins and minerals

The most important vitamins for the immune system are A, B5, C, D, F, PP.

Almost all plant foods, especially yellow and red ones (carrots, red peppers, melon, tomatoes, pumpkin) contain beta-carotene, which is converted in the body into vitamin A. Vitamin A and carotenes are responsible for the strength of the immune response to antigen invasion; in addition, they are capable of preventing cancer to some extent.

Everyone knows the main sources of vitamin C - black currants, rose hips, citrus fruits, sea buckthorn, parsley, sauerkraut. A deficiency of this vitamin reduces the rate of antibody production, and its sufficient intake from food guarantees the production of full-fledged immune cells.

B vitamins are found in seeds, wholemeal bread, nuts, buckwheat, legumes, sprouted cereals, mushrooms, and cheese.

Nuts, seeds and sprouted grains also contain a lot of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Another source of vitamin E is unrefined vegetable oil.

Minerals are also important - selenium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, iodine, manganese. The leaders in mineral content from plant products are nuts, legumes, seeds, whole grains, as well as cocoa and dark chocolate.

Natural regulators

Natural remedies that increase immunity are echinacea, ginseng, licorice, eleutherococcus, and lemongrass. You can take herbal infusions and decoctions for both therapeutic and preventive purposes.

The immune system is the body's main line of defense against disease. Human health and the ability to resist allergies, bacteria and viral infections directly depend on it. Finding out the level of immune status has become possible thanks to the modern level of development of medical technologies with the ability to take a blood test to identify certain indicators that accurately diagnose certain diseases. This diagnostic method is an immunogram, which is a blood draw with the study of components: leukocytes, phagocytes and other cells. The doctor prescribes an examination. You can always take the tests yourself, without a doctor’s prescription, but it’s better to contact a specialist to interpret the results.

Assessment and need for examination

An immunogram (blood test for immunity) evaluates the composition, activity and quantitative ratio of humoral and cellular immunity. Cellular - responsible for the detection and neutralization of microorganisms through leukocytes. Humoral - responds with control measures using immunoglobulins, which are proteins.

Indications for the purpose of analysis may be:

Symptoms of reduced immune defense in the form of frequent long-term currents and prolonged recovery after them. To confirm the diagnosis;
Monitoring current indicators to control the course of existing diseases;
Frequent allergic manifestations;
Existing autoimmune diseases or suspicions of them;
Existing HIV infection or suspicion of it;
Organ transplantation, before and after transplantation;
Prospective vaccination.

Blood for immunodeficiency testing is taken from a vein. Preparing for an immunogram does not require serious effort. However, you should take a few simple measures:

One day before the examination, you should avoid physical activity and overexertion of the body;
The day before the test and on the day of the test, refrain from smoking and alcohol;
Do not eat breakfast on the day of the test. An immunogram is done in the morning on an empty stomach. The last meal should be taken at least 8 hours before the procedure. In the morning you can only drink clean water; drinking tea and coffee is also prohibited.

However, not only blood, but also other biological fluids can be examined, depending on the need. When identifying the immune status of the mucous membranes, saliva or tear fluid is taken for analysis. Immune forces require the taking of cerebrospinal fluid, in other words cerebrospinal fluid. The cost of immunological analysis varies in different regions of Russia. On average, the price ranges from 2 to 5 thousand rubles.

What the study shows

The immunity analysis is aimed at obtaining the following list of information:

Total number of leukocyte cells. A specific class is also assessed separately: lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocytes and their subgroups;
The cellular link is carried out by counting “T” and “B” lymphocytes, as well as their percentages to identify the lack of any of the cell groups;
- is assessed by the number of immunoglobulin classes circulating in the blood - “G” and “A”, as well as their ratio. This allows us to judge the duration of the pathological process;
Antibodies of different classes, which illustrates the presence of infectious diseases in the body and the degree of their development;
Phagocytic activity of leukocytes. This is an indicator that determines the level of resistance of protective cells to harmful pathogens. It is carried out by counting immunoglobulins, as well as complexes in the material, with calculation of the phagocytosis index. In other words, it is possible to determine the extent of the immune system's phagocytosis - the process by which foreign agents are absorbed and digested;
Complement components C3 and C4, which are represented by proteins and influence the course of inflammatory processes by participating in phagocytosis;
CIC – circulating immune complexes. To do this, the antigen-antibody chain formed in response to the reaction of the immune system against microorganisms is studied.

The presence of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, fungal infections, requires a more thorough and detailed study of immune profile indicators. The presence of sexually transmitted infections and viruses does not indicate low immunity and often does not require an immunogram.

Typically, such people do not have a reduced level of immunity, but according to the indications of a urologist or gynecologist, a test for immune status is also successfully performed. The results of the immunogram are assessed by an immunologist who has a qualified specialty and can evaluate the entire clinical picture in the context of this analysis and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

A one-time blood test will not reflect it over time. It will show the state of your immune system at a given time. However, this is not enough to make a complete diagnosis. Only repeated research at different points in time: peak of the disease, recovery and normal state without complaints can reflect the whole picture of the processes. This will help put forward an objective conclusion about the state of the body's immune system.

If you are planning to test your child’s immunity, you need to take into account your nuances. The immune system of children is formed only by the age of five, which means that until the age of five, information about its protection cannot be reliable. Such examination is carried out only according to certain indications and recommendations of doctors. Very rarely, the test is prescribed for infants under one year of age. The indication for an immunogram in such cases may be a suspicion of congenital autoimmune diseases.

In addition to difficulties with the viability of the immune system, the very fact of blood loss is a negative factor. To conduct the study, approximately 50 ml of blood is needed, which is a lot, and besides, taking blood itself is stressful for children, which means that the examination is carried out only in case of emergency; no one wants to risk the child and his health. Carrying out an immunogram for an adult does not cause such difficulties.

If there are symptoms of reduced immunity, existing diseases, as well as suspicion of them, it is necessary to immediately take an immunogram, which will determine the person’s immunity and deviations from the norm. A timely, competent health examination and laboratory diagnosis of immunity will help identify possible pathologies and begin timely treatment. And people suffering from neurological autoimmune diseases should not forget to periodically check their main defense mechanism in order to track the dynamics of the development of the process and prevent the condition from worsening.

Today, this area of medicine does not always allow a patient to be completely cured of autoimmune diseases, but timely measures and treatment using immunomodulators can seriously slow down the development of pathology and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and strengthen the immune system.

The body's immune system is a person's natural defense against disease. In a calm state, this system contains millions of cells; with the onset of the disease, the body produces new cells - leukocytes, specific antibodies, etc. To assess the state of a person’s immunity, a special study - an immunological blood test - is used. This test may include several parameters for research or be complex.

What is an immunogram

During intrauterine development, the child's body is protected by the mother's immunity. After birth, children's immunity is quite weak, but with age, the body's defenses gradually strengthen. If natural defenses are not sufficient to fight the infection, drug treatment should be used. A frequent tendency to various diseases may be a consequence of a weakened immune system, in which case an immunological blood test is prescribed.

A blood test for immunity is called an immunogram. This is a comprehensive laboratory blood test. Cerebrospinal fluid can also be used as a biological material. The test is carried out in laboratory conditions. The analysis can be carried out on one or several parameters. Many commercial laboratories offer “batch” type medical testing. In this case, for example, a general analysis of “Immunoglobulins A, M, G” is cheaper than a separate study of immunoglobulins of each type.

When is the test ordered?

There are a number of medical indications when it is necessary to take a blood test to determine your immune status. The concern is the patient's exposure to viruses and various infections. There are systemic lesions of the body that can be caused by radiation or chemotherapy, severe infectious diseases, and toxin poisoning. Local lesions are caused by local damage to immune cells due to inflammatory and infectious processes.

The doctor prescribes a test to check the immune status for the following conditions.

Detection of immunodeficiency virus in a patient. In this case, it is necessary for every patient to donate blood for an immunogram, regardless of their health and the presence of concomitant diseases.
Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis and other pathological conditions.
Development of oncological diseases and cancerous tumors. During the development of cancer, the body begins to produce large amounts of antibodies, which are used to fight cancer cells. But malignant cells divide and grow much faster than antibodies, as a result the immune system is greatly weakened and the body becomes vulnerable to other diseases.
Metabolic diseases (diabetes, etc.). Patients with diabetes experience slow tissue healing, which can lead to severe inflammation.
Gastrointestinal diseases, especially chronic ones.
Disruption of the power supply system. An analysis of immune status is required when the body is exhausted. It is also advisable to determine the state of immunity for people with dietary restrictions (veganism, strict diet, etc.).
Organ transplantation. Immunology is performed before and after surgery.
Sudden weight loss for no apparent reason.
Chronic fatigue syndrome due to prolonged exposure to stressful conditions.

At some point in life, every person should think about the state of their immune system. There are a large number of diseases and pathogenic microorganisms (hepes virus, Helicobacter pylori, etc.) that do not show activity in a healthy body. If immunity decreases, there is a risk of developing or exacerbating chronic diseases.

Study parameters

Immunity analysis is carried out according to the appropriate parameters, which are indicated in the direction of the attending physician based on the patient’s health condition.

The analysis is interpreted by an immunologist.

An immunochemical test may consist of various parameters for which there is a corresponding standard.

When assessing the patient’s condition in an immunity analysis, the doctor considers each group of parameters separately. Determining the amount of immunoglobulins of different types makes it possible to identify infections and track their development path. Based on the ratio and quantity of antibodies, we can conclude the severity of the disease.

Determining the level of lymphocytes allows you to quickly identify a lack of any type of white blood cells. Their phagocytic activity reflects the ability of cells to engulf harmful bacteria and viruses within the body. The circulating immune complex test measures how well the immune system forms the antigen-antibody chain. This process creates the body's response to the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

It is better to take tests in a well-equipped laboratory with a positive reputation. Immune status and analysis to study human immunity are important components of treatment. Immune system disorders can be congenital or develop gradually throughout life. Assessing the state of the body's defense system is relevant, first of all, for those patients who are susceptible to frequent colds and chronic inflammatory diseases (herpes, hepatitis, gastrointestinal diseases, etc.).

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When an immunogram is done in the laboratory, several tests of the main indicators are carried out at once, clarifying the status of individual parameters.

Determination of antibodies of various classes demonstrates the presence of infections in the body and the level of their development. By looking at the status of different groups, you can determine the duration of infection and draw a conclusion about the course of the disease.
Determination of lymphocyte subpopulations makes it possible to determine the composition of each of the two existing groups of lymphocytes, and to notice their possible shortage.
An analysis of the phagocytic activity of leukocytes shows the activity of phagocytosis - the process of absorption of bacteria and harmful viruses to prevent their influence on the body.
C3 and C4 complement components are proteins from the complement system that play an important role in the process of inflammation, facilitating phagocytosis.
Analysis for CIC (circulating immune complexes) examines the antigen-antibody chain, which is formed as an immune response to the ingress of foreign microorganisms.

Blood analysis

If the doctor is interested in the immune status of the mucous membranes, saliva, mucus or tear fluid is taken for analysis. If you need to find out the immune status of the nervous system, they take cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but this happens in rare cases.

Indications for a blood test for immunity

If there are diseases of viral origin, allergic reactions, frequent pneumonia, long-term fungal infections, inflammatory chronic pathologies (bronchitis, sinusitis), autoimmune diseases (diabetes mellitus, etc.), oncology, pustular skin pathologies, secondary and primary immunodeficiencies, gastrointestinal diseases -intestinal tract of infectious origin, in which weight loss occurs, if you are after chemotherapy or after organ transplantation, you need to check your immune status.

There are also separate indications for a blood test for pregnant women if they have HIV, frequent relapses of herpes simplex, autoimmune pathologies, pregnancy with Rh conflict, continuous relapses of cytomegalovirus infection, pathologies of tissue interaction during pregnancy.