What is an immunogram? Carrying out and deciphering an immunogram Immunological blood test what

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

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 cells' ability 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.).

In contact with

The function of the immune system is to protect the human body from possible diseases. In order to properly assess its condition, it is necessary to conduct a special study.

Immunity analysis helps to adequately assess the state of the immune system, both comprehensively and based on the assessment of several parameters.

Immunity - role

Immunogram

The baby's intrauterine development contributes to its complete protection. At birth, children do not have a good immune system, which is why illnesses and viral diseases are often observed in infancy. As the child grows older, his body gets stronger. Medicines and intervention by qualified specialists are necessary if the body’s natural response to harmful microorganisms is not enough.

If the functionality of the immune system is weakened, it is recommended to conduct an immunological study.

Cerebrospinal fluid is used as a separate biological material. Thus, this analysis procedure is completed. The assessment takes place of several characteristics, or in a complex manner. In the latter version, experts evaluate “Immunoglobulins A, M, G.” If we consider each analysis separately, then their cost will be much higher than conducting a comprehensive study.

What is an immunogram

Purpose of analysis

An analysis of immune status is carried out in certain cases. In particular, this concerns high susceptibility to various types of diseases. These can be not only viral, but also chemical and radiation damage to the body. Immune cells are seriously affected at this time and are locally affected.

Most often, a qualified specialist prescribes this study in the following cases:

• for chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, or other manifestations of pathological changes;
• pronounced immunodeficiency. The doctor, regardless of how the patient feels, what diseases accompany this disease, prescribes a study;
• The reason for the appointment is oncological diseases, malignant and benign tumors. As cancer develops, abundant release of antibodies is observed. They are actively used to defeat cancer cells. The difficulty is that malignant cells divide several times faster than antibodies. This is fraught with a significant weakening of the body’s protective function and its vulnerability;
• for diseases in the gastrointestinal tract of a chronic nature, this procedure is prescribed;
• the presence of diseases associated with metabolic processes. These disorders include, for example, diabetes mellitus. Such patients suffer from a slow tissue healing process, frequent inflammatory processes;
• exhaustion of the body is the reason for which the analysis is carried out. In general, this human condition is observed when changing the nutritional system and restricting food. This applies to following a strict diet, a certain course. For example, veganism, which implies a complete rejection of animal products;
• weight loss in a short period of time requires this study;
• Before transplantation of certain organs takes place, and after the procedure, immunology is performed;
• Stressful situations have a significant impact on the normal functioning of the body. In this situation, chronic fatigue syndrome is observed, which is why experts recommend undergoing research.

It is worth monitoring the state of your immune system. The danger lies in the fact that many pathogenic organisms do not show proper activity. All this provokes a decrease in the functional functioning of the immune system, the body becomes vulnerable to the occurrence of disease.

Study parameters

A certain parameter indicates the direction that a specialist follows in order to fully characterize the state of the body.

Important! An immunologist can fully decipher the analysis, identify abnormalities, and then prescribe a course of therapy.

There are a number of special parameters by which a person’s condition is determined.

Blood from a vein

Evaluation of results

In order to diagnose a specific disease as accurately as possible, a specialist considers each individual parameter. Thus, the doctor assesses the patient’s condition in a timely manner, tracks the path of the disease, and prescribes an effective course of treatment.

Using the level of leukocytes, a lack of one or another blood body is detected. Due to their activity, it is possible to determine the ability to absorb pathogenic organisms and fight them.

Interpretation of immunogram results

The study determines the functional capacity of the immune system as a whole.

conclusions

Taking this test helps determine the ability of the immune system to fight pathogenic organisms. The specialist evaluates each individual group of parameters based on its results. As a result of these actions, the disease is diagnosed in time and a course of treatment is prescribed.

To take the test, you should give up alcohol and smoking the day before. Do not eat 12 hours before the procedure. The donation takes place in the morning, on an empty stomach. Experts also recommend minimizing physical activity and reducing emotional stress, which also affects the final results of the study.

Update: December 2018

A complete immune test is not a routine test. Due to the high cost of reagents and the need for special equipment, an immunogram can only be done in large multidisciplinary hospitals or private medical laboratories. Despite this, the procedure may be required for any person who has shown signs of immunodeficiency without any obvious reasons, such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, etc.

Most often, an immunogram is required for children of preschool and school age, since it is during this period of life that a number of hereditary diseases “debut” occur.

What is an immunogram?

This is a special blood test that allows you to assess the number of different immune cells, the antibodies they produce and a number of other substances that indicate the state of the body's defense systems. Depending on the purpose of the study and the capabilities of the laboratory, the number of parameters studied can vary significantly. An extended study allows you to study more than 25 different indicators - such an analysis reveals even hidden violations that cannot be detected by standard methods.

Human immunity can be divided into two parts: “slow” (humoral) and “fast” (cellular). The fast link reacts almost immediately after the pathogen (virus, fungus, bacteria, protozoa, etc.) enters the body. The task of this group of cells includes the following functions:

1. Absorb and “digest” a malicious agent;
2. Present or “tell” about a pathogenic microorganism to other immune cells that cannot detect it on their own;
3. Destroy the largest number of identified microbes;
4. Fighting various tumors and autoimmune processes is another important function of the immune system, which often does not allow the body to cope with the disease on its own.

After the “fast” link has absorbed the foreign body and told the “slow” link about it, the slow process of creating and releasing antibodies into the blood begins. Antibodies are substances that destroy a specific type of pathogenic agent. They are very specific and, in most cases, help the body finally cope with the existing disease. On average, the duration of their creation is 2-3 weeks.

The immunogram indicators reflect the work of each of the defense links. It is on the basis of their changes that a conclusion is made about the absence/presence of immunodeficiency, about the variant of the disorder and the optimal method of therapy.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend supplementing the analysis with a study of the content of interleukins in the blood - these are special substances that ensure the interconnection of various components of defense systems. If their production is disrupted, immunodeficiency states can also form.

Indications

1. Frequent severe infectious diseases, especially in children of preschool and school age. At the moment, there is no consensus on what is considered “frequent” and “severe” infections. However, you should begin to suspect problems with immunity in the following situations:
   1. ARVI in children of mild and moderate severity more often than 5-6 times a year;
   2. In adults (except for elderly people) – more than 3 times a year;
2. The presence in the past of episodes of the following diseases: necrotizing tonsillitis, erysipelas, candidal oropharyngitis, systemic herpetic infection, atypical pneumonia (mycoplasma, chlamydia, pneumocystis), any fungal diseases in children (except for toenail fungus);
3. Detection of a low level of leukocytes in the blood without any obvious reason: a previous viral infection, the presence of an autoimmune or oncological disease, secondary immunodeficiencies (HIV, diabetes, aplastic anemia, consequences of taking certain medications, etc.). The leukocyte norm for people over 15 years of age: from 4 to 9 * 10 9 cells/liter. When testing blood in children, it is necessary to use age-specific standards.

Before examining the immunogram, it is necessary to exclude the presence of secondary immunodeficiencies, which were listed above. They can be detected quite simply using routine blood tests, and the cost will be significantly lower than testing the function of leukocytes and other phagocytes.

Preparation for the procedure

To obtain objective results, it is necessary to act correctly before drawing blood. To do this, just follow these simple rules:

1. It is better to undergo the examination in the morning, on an empty stomach. If this is not possible, it is permissible to donate blood at any other time after a 4-hour period of fasting;
2. It is not recommended to drink alcohol, caffeine-containing drinks, or energy drinks for 3 hours before the test. Water and weak tea can be drunk without restrictions;
3. Several hours before the procedure, you should not smoke or be in the presence of a person who smokes;
4. Immediately before donating blood, significant physical activity (running, lifting weights, playing sports), contrasting water treatments, hypothermia/overheating of the body should be excluded;
5. To obtain the most information, it is best to carry out an immunogram for a child and an adult during a period of complete health. During illness, the body will react to damage to its own tissues or to infection, so it is quite difficult to draw a conclusion about the blood picture.

Norm

Deciphering an immunogram is much more difficult than analyzing a regular blood test. This study includes a large number of indicators that not only need to be compared with existing standards, but also analyzed in their entirety. However, first of all, it is necessary to know the normal values.

They may differ slightly in different laboratories. This is due to the use of various tools, diagnostic methods and reagents. As a rule, immunogram norms are given on the sheet with the examination results. If they are absent, we suggest using the following immunogram table:

Click to enlarge

Principles for deciphering results

The analysis of the immunogram must be carried out by a specialist qualified as an immunologist. In this case, the probability of obtaining the correct conclusion is extremely high. The doctor conducts a comprehensive assessment of all parameters in order to determine the presence/absence of problems in the cellular or humoral immunity. Further treatment tactics, the method of maintaining immunity and the prevention of frequent infections will depend on this.

• In most cases, a decrease in cellular or rapid cell counts is a sign of a problem with T cell activation or production.
• The exception is the number of T-suppressors - a decrease in a person’s protective functions will be indicated by an increase in this pool of cells. Such results obtained when interpreting an immunogram in children are often a sign of primary T-cell immunodeficiency. This is a group of congenital diseases in which the body cannot “repel attacks” of hostile microorganisms in a timely and sufficiently good manner.
• Problems in the humoral link will be indicated by a reduced number of B cells and immunoglobulins (except for IgE, which is responsible for the development of allergies). It should be remembered that only a simultaneous decrease in the concentration of B-lymphocytes and the antibodies they produce (immunoglobulins) is significant.

Other indicators make it possible to clarify the nature of the disorders and confirm the expected diagnosis. It must be emphasized once again that only an immunologist can correctly interpret this complex analysis.

Determination of the degree of immune disorders

There are a large number of approaches to assess the patient's condition. Some of them offer calculation of the number of diseases taking into account their severity per year, others are purely calculation methods. Using an immunogram, you can also determine the severity of disorders of the humoral and cellular components or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment over a certain amount of time.

To do this you need to use the following formula:

((Pathological indicator of the patient / Norm of this indicator) – 1) * 100%

The number of B cells, Cytotoxic cells or T helper cells is most often used as the parameter being studied. If the result obtained is negative, the severity of the disorders and the need for active drug therapy can be determined:

Reasons for false results

In addition to the innate characteristics of immunity, there are a large number of pathologies that lead to changes in analysis parameters. In order not to get confused, you need to understand what the immunogram actually shows. It reflects the number and condition of various groups of leukocytes and phagocytes - blood cells and internal organs responsible for protecting the body.

Traditionally, an immunogram is used to identify hereditary immune disorders. Therefore, before carrying out it, it is necessary to exclude the presence of the most common conditions that can also have a negative impact on a person’s natural defenses. These include:

• Malignant tumors of any organ;
• Autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic scleroderma and lupus, various systemic vasculitis (including Behcet's disease, microscopic and giant cell vasculitis, periarteritis nodosa, etc.);
• Viral diseases, including HIV, “blood” hepatitis;
• Severe intoxication: alcohol, drugs, industrial hazardous substances, poisons, etc.;
• Aplastic anemia is a group of diseases in which the growth and maturation of all blood cells is impaired;
• Consequences of radiation exposure.

It is also necessary to remember that the cause of a false increase or decrease in parameters may be improper preparation for blood donation. Only after excluding all of the above conditions can we talk about the presence of primary immunodeficiency. A medical genetic study can be used as a confirmatory test.

“Myths” about immunity

Fresh fruits and vegetables will improve weakened immunity

Undoubtedly, these products are useful for many diseases. In particular, they are a source of plant fiber, which stimulates normal digestion. With atrophy of the gastric mucosa, they improve the secretion of digestive juices and help in processing food. However, the amount of vitamins obtained from fruits and vegetables is extremely small and cannot help treat immune disorders;

Identified immunodeficiency in a child does not need to be treated; it will go away on its own after puberty.

This opinion is very common not only among the population, but also among a certain group of doctors. Such a judgment is very dangerous - the question of the need for treatment in each individual case is decided by an immunologist. And if the risk of frequent and severe infections exceeds the risk of side effects from medications (which are quite rare), therapy is necessary for the child;

Immunomodulators are absolutely useless in the treatment of immunodeficiencies

Several years ago, a large study was conducted that confirmed that the use of immunomodulators reduces the duration of treatment for ARVI by only 1 day or less. That is, they have a completely insignificant effect. This argument is often used by some doctors and patients, justifying their refusal to use them for primary immunodeficiencies. Does anything in this argument bother you?

• First, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect on duration of treatment, but not on prevention occurrence of infectious diseases.
• Secondly, it was carried out on healthy people who did not suffer from immunodeficiencies. If you study foreign literature and the results of suitable research works, you can find the following information. Immunomodulators have relatively little effectiveness, but they prevent the development of severe and frequent infections in people with primary immunodeficiencies, and also reduce the likelihood of death.

At the moment, there are other, more effective medicines abroad to maintain the body’s defense systems. Their price alone is many times higher, and availability in Russia is extremely limited. Therefore, immunomodulators, lysates of microorganisms, interferon preparations are one of the options for treating these diseases in the Russian Federation.

HIV must be diagnosed using an immunogram

Undoubtedly, with prolonged exposure to the immunodeficiency virus, the number of CD4+ cells decreases. It is by this indicator that the severity of the disease and the likelihood of developing deadly infections associated with AIDS and HIV are often assessed. However, to diagnose this infection it is necessary to use more specific methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting.

Our body has a special system that performs the indispensable function of protecting against pathogens that enter the body from the outside. It's called immune. Every minute a person is attacked by a variety of bacteria, microorganisms and viruses. If the immune system is functioning properly, these attacks will not cause any harm. There will be no damage to the body and organ systems and no harmful effects will be noticed. To determine how a person’s immunity works, it is necessary to conduct a special analysis and obtain an immunogram. An immunogram, the decoding of which is difficult for the average person, can be easily read by a doctor, who will give the patient all the necessary recommendations.

In order to competently study the patient’s immune status, specialists use special techniques. There are two main types of immunity tests:

• ELISA is an immunological enzyme analysis that uses methods such as immunometric, sandwich, immunoblot, solid-phase and inhibitory.
• RIA is a radioimmunoassay in which all results are measured using special radioactivity counters.

Experts have identified several special disorders and pathologies for which immunological studies must be carried out. For example, during an organ transplant, the very first test that must be performed is an immunogram. This is especially important if the patient is a child. In addition, immunogram indicators are important when treating oncological diseases. The patient is exposed to immunosuppressants, which reduce the activity of the immune system. This affects the protective function in the body, but allows you to reliably determine compliance with standards.

An immunological blood test is also prescribed if the following pathologies are present:

An immunological blood test, which can be deciphered independently, is very important in the treatment and maintenance of patients with HIV. Using the results of this type of analysis, you can reliably assess the degree of suppression of the patient’s immune defense system. Deciphering the immunogram can greatly facilitate the correct selection of medications and drugs for the patient, as well as give the right direction for further therapy. If the body's protective functioning is reduced, this can lead to the patient developing very serious illnesses. If there is a long-term deterioration in health, then you definitely need to get tested and examine your health status.

Indicators of immunological analysis

When an analysis of human immunity is carried out, it is assumed that several specific indicators are studied. The ability to decipher an immunogram provides a full assessment of the functioning of the protective system. Due to the presence of a set of indicators, radioimmunoassays and enzyme immunoassays make it possible to conduct a qualitative check of the functioning of not only one organ or a specific system, but the entire organism as a whole. Such a systemic study can be performed on a patient at any age. The immunogram, the norms of which are not very different in children and adults, has the following indicators:

Each of these indicators is important in its own way for a doctor. Knowing the immunochemical composition of the patient’s blood, it is possible to diagnose many diseases and prescribe competent treatment, thereby curing the person. And each such indicator has its own norms and deviations that need to be known.

Immunogram norms and deviations

After receiving the immunogram data, they need to be decrypted. The normal value of the indicators is reflected in a special medical table. It is necessary to know the norms in order to understand how large the deviation is, and thereby carry out the correct diagnosis. Deviations from the norm are evidence that there are pathologies and disorders in the human body.

The standards for the main indicators have the following meanings:

1. IgA – 0.9 – 4.5 g/l,
2. IgE – 30 – 240 µg/l,
3. IgG – 7 – 17 g/l,
4. IgM – 0.5 – 3.5 g/l,
5. Alloimmune antibodies must be negative,
6. Antinuclear antibodies should also be negative,
7. ASLO up to 7 years - less than 100 / ml, from 8 to 14 years - from 150 to 250 / ml, over 15 years - less than 200 / ml,
8. Antisperm type antibodies – less than 60/ml,
9. MAR test – less than 50%,
10. AT-TG – less than 1.1 / ml,
11. AT-TPO – less than 5.6 / ml,
12. CEC – less than 200/ml.

If immunoglobulin A is increased, this may indicate that the patient has chronic liver disease, myeloma, cirrhosis, acute alcohol poisoning, glomerulonephritis. If this indicator is reduced, this may be due to the development of radiation sickness or chemical poisoning.

An increase in IgG can occur with autoimmune diseases, HIV, and infections.

IgM can be increased in a variety of acute infectious lesions, liver diseases, and vasculitis.

ASLO increases if a person has rheumatism, erysipelas, streptococcus or scarlet fever. A test for CEC is usually prescribed during an examination, which allows us to identify the presence of autoimmune diseases, kidney damage, arthritis, and persistent infections. If the CEC is elevated, this indicates acute infection, Crohn's disease, malignancy, local anaphylaxis, serum sickness, and endocarditis.

Conclusion

The study of the body's defense systems, and in particular, human immunity, consists of conducting a set of analyzes and tests. This examination is prescribed by the attending physician, but you can also undergo it yourself, checking the condition of your body for prevention. When the result is received, the specialist will decipher it and receive the necessary data on the state of the person’s immunity. If any abnormalities appear and the results do not correspond to the norm, the doctor will give all the necessary recommendations and prescribe the correct treatment or send the patient for further examination for a more accurate diagnosis of the suspected disease.

An immunological blood test is a method used by medical specialists to determine the patient’s body’s ability to resist serious bacterial and viral diseases. The diagnostic results determine the level of immune protection by assessing the qualitative and quantitative indicators of cells and the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream.

How does the body's defense work?

Foreign agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, chemicals and toxic substances) that enter the human body are called antigens. 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.

Purification of the blood from foreign agents associated with blood cells occurs in the spleen. Lymphocytes are transported throughout the body and distributed to different areas with the flow of lymph through the lymphatic vessels. This is the peripheral part of the immune system.

Indications for diagnostics

An immunological blood test is prescribed in the following cases:

• frequently recurring diseases of infectious origin;
• severe infectious disease;
• acquired or congenital immunodeficiency;
• presence of an autoimmune disease;
• allergic conditions;
• the need for extensive serious surgical interventions;
• postoperative complications;
• monitoring the results of taking immunomodulators over time;
• anorexia;
• intoxications of various types;
• tumor processes;
• diabetes;
• development of serious side effects while taking medications.

The immunogram indicators are not deciphered by laboratory workers. The results of the examination are assessed 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 a referral for analysis, the specialist indicates which link in the work of protective factors needs to be assessed.

A full immunogram, the price of which is in the range of 5-6 thousand rubles, is a rather lengthy and labor-intensive screening, so laboratory workers determine only those indicators that are necessary for the doctor.

Blood is often taken to study the following immunological factors:

1. Quantitative indicators of serum immunoglobulins M, A, G, E.
2. Complement components C3, C4-2.
3. Functional activity of immune cells.
4. Phagocytic index.
5. Proliferative activity of lymphocytes.
6. Quantitative indicators of immune cell subpopulations.

Review of key indicators

Immunogram analysis primarily determines the level and indicators of immunoglobulins. The largest amount (about 75%) is occupied by immunoglobulins G. They are able to penetrate the placental barrier from the mother’s body into the fetus’s body, creating the baby’s own protective system.

If an immunological blood test shows an insufficient amount of IgG, this may indicate the presence of a malignant tumor of the lymphatic system or a developmental delay. A high level indicates liver pathology, an autoimmune or infectious disease.

IgM occupies a tenth of all other immunoglobulins. They appear at the initial stages of the disease. IgM includes rheumatoid factors and anti-infective immunoglobulins. High rates indicate the development of cirrhosis or hepatitis.

IgA makes up 15% of the total mass of immunoglobulins. They are protective factors for mucous membranes. An immunological blood test shows an increased level with the development of rheumatoid arthritis, myeloma, and alcohol poisoning.

During the first 14 days of illness, IgA appears. Over the course of another 7 days, IgM is added to their number. By the end of the month from the onset of the disease, class A, M and G antibodies can be detected in the blood. 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 during allergic manifestations and helminthic infestations. In a healthy person they have low levels.

Alloimmune antibodies

These are specific antibodies that appear in the body to red blood cell antigens. Their production can be caused by Rh-conflict pregnancy or blood transfusion. It is based on the recognition of the Rh factor of donor blood as foreign.

Analysis is prescribed in the following cases:

• the period of bearing a child to prevent Rh conflict;
• monitoring those pregnant women who have a negative Rh factor;
• in the anamnesis;
• newborn development;
• 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 assess the presence of antisperm antibodies in the blood. This method is used as an additional diagnosis of infertility in married couples.

Antibodies can be detected not only in the blood, but also in the mucus of the cervical canal, on the surface of sperm, and in the plasma of seminal fluid. Doubtful indicators are in the range of 55-60 U/ml. If such results are obtained, repeated examinations are carried out after 14 days.

Immunodeficiency conditions

There are primary and Primary - congenital, resulting from pathology at the gene level. Secondary - acquired, which develops during life under the influence of various physical and biological factors.

There are also physiological immunodeficiencies that occur at certain stages of the body’s development:

• immunodeficiency of the newborn - caused by the transition from the presence of maternal immunoglobulins in the blood to the production of their own;
• immunodeficiency of pregnant women - occurs against the background of the action of placental steroids on the activity of complements;
• senile immunodeficiency - is explained by a decrease in the intensity of production of protective cells, a decrease in the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, macrophages, and the bactericidal activity of serum.

To restore the functioning of the immune system in the event of the development of pathological deficiencies, the following correction principles are used:

1. Immune engineering - bone marrow, liver, thymus transplantation, administration of immunoglobulins, hemosorption, immunosorption.
2. Introduction of hormones and mediators - interferon, interleukin, hormonal factors of the thymus.
3. Drug treatment.

Rules for preparing for analysis

Biochemical studies require taking morning venous blood (on an empty stomach until 12:00). The day before collecting the material, it is necessary to give up alcoholic beverages, smoking, and limit physical activity. In the morning, before going to the laboratory, you can only drink water.

Do not take any medications on the day of donating blood. If this is not possible, then inform laboratory workers about this factor so that the assessment of the results is not erroneous. Biochemical studies are carried out before any diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

Immunology, which is carried out by an immunologist or treating specialist, has the following advantages:

• the ability to obtain accurate results;
• identification of the disease in the early stages of development;
• carrying out correction of drug therapy after determining the ratio of immune defense indicators;
• help when it is difficult to make a diagnosis.

The disadvantage is the long diagnostic process when it is necessary to evaluate the full picture, since there are a huge number of immune factors that require recalculation of quantitative indicators.

Conclusion

An immunogram is a reliable and accurate analysis. Its implementation requires highly qualified laboratory doctors. Deciphering will allow you to determine the state of the body’s defenses, confirm or refute the diagnosis, select an effective treatment regimen and increase resistance to infectious diseases.