Immunity Test
The immunity of the body depends on the ability of the system to produce antibodies when affected by antigens. The most basic immunity test done is the immunoglobulins test. The immunoglobulins test measures the levels and the types of antibodies in the blood. This test to check the immune system shows whether there is an infection in the body. The levels and the types help understand the other underlying problems caused in the body due to these.
What is an Immunity Test?
An immunity test is a test to check the immune system by analyzing the various health parameters that weaken the immunity system, thereby making the body susceptible to infection. Various blood tests are done to determine the underlying health issue, and these blood tests are known as the immunology test. An immunology test is done with the help of a number of immunoglobulins tests, which has a series of
diagnostic tests to determine various allergies and autoimmune conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, and celiac diseases. The immunology test is considered a gold standard as it is also used in newborns to find out the infections.
Which tests are included in an Immunity Test?
The primary test that is first and foremost done for immunity screening is the immunoglobulins test. Immunoglobulins Test An immunoglobulins test is done by collecting a small amount of blood from the vein with the help of a technician to draw the sample and testing it for the amounts and types of antibodies present. This immunology test allows us to know these types of antibodies. They are: Immunoglobulin A (IgA): This immunity test is used to determine this particular antibody called IgA, which is found in the saliva, tears, breast milk, and the respiratory tract and digestive system linings. Immunoglobulin G (IgG): This immunity test is used to determine this particular antibody called IgG, which is found in most of the body fluids and helps the body fight against almost all bacterial and viral infections. This is the most common antibody and will take some time to incubate in the body after the infection sets in the whole system. Immunoglobulin E (IgE): This immunity test is used to determine this particular antibody called IgE, which is found in the blood in small amounts, and if it is found in high quantities, it means that the body is fighting infection from parasites or is reacting to allergies. Immunoglobulin M (IgM): This immunity test is used to determine this particular antibody called IgM, which is the first to be created in the body whenever there is a new infection and is mainly found in the blood and lymph fluid. Immunoglobulin D (IgD): This immunity test is used to determine this particular antibody called IgD, which amounts only in minor quantities, and it is still the least understood antibody. Besides doing all these, and if there is an abnormal result in the immunology test, the health care provider might ask the patient to get him tested further for a urinalysis and a procedure called a spinal tap. The urine sample is also tested, and in the spinal tap procedure, a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid is obtained from the spine using a minute special needle. This clear fluid is tested to rule out other problems.
Why do I need an Immunity Test?
By testing a patient for an immunity test, it helps in: It is identifying how the body reacts to the infection. Help the practitioner know more about the virus, especially if it is rare or new. It gives information on how it affects and starts deteriorating the body further. It could help detect when and how long the body has had it in the system. It helps to find out whether the person is still a carrier of the virus and is contagious. By doing this, most of the spread due to the disease can be reduced. It helps to understand the efficacy of vaccines. In today's scenario, with coronavirus turning tables around the globe, a weak immune system test is made compulsory whenever a person exhibits the least symptoms of illness. It has become mandatory to travel, and also this test will provide more information on how to fight this virus and end the pandemic. This is done by: Helping the doctors understand transmission by giving more information about contact tracing. With the help of various weak immune system test results, it can be studied to solve the fundamental mystery to find how specific individuals develop self-immunity and become asymptomatic. It is also essential to know, detect, and cut or put a full stop to community spread.
When do I need to get an Immunity Test?
A patient must take up an immunity test when the doctor suspects that he/she has low levels of immunoglobulins. This is also known as the weak immune system test as they have symptoms like: He/she suffers from lung or sinus infections. You are exhibiting a similar family history of any immunodeficiencies. The patient has prolonged chronic diarrhoea that doesn't get cured with necessary medications. You are suffering from unusual bacteria/viral infections that keep occurring frequently. High levels of immunoglobulins will give rise to symptoms like: Development of chronic illnesses. He/she will exhibit all symptoms of cancer. The patient will show signs of an autoimmune disease.
How do I prepare for an Immunity Test?
The things to be done prior or beforehand to an immunity blood test are: Eating and drinking usually are not a problem while administering the immunity test unless the doctor recommends you to do so. Wearing loose fit clothes with short sleeves is advised during an immunology test as the blood sample will be collected from the veins near the elbow region. If kids are going to take up the immunity test, make sure you carry toys and other things that interest them to keep them distracted and stay comforted.
How does IT at home work?
Doing an immunity test at home is impossible, and it works just like a walk in the lab. The patients will have to book an appointment online, and instead of them going to the hospital or centre to get tested, the patient stays at home to get their blood samples collected by technicians. The results mostly are digitized and arrive in a couple of days. This is the best possible feature available to most older citizens during this difficult pandemic to avoid being easily infected. Therefore an immunity test at home is nothing but planning and reserving the slot online.
Are there any Risks/Side Effects of Immunity Test?
An immune system test has side effects like: An immunology test will develop a minor bruise or soreness around the test site and last for a few days. Immune system tests increase anxiety in kids and teens. Some kids might feel dizzy after the blood sample has been drawn during the immune system test.
What does my result mean?
The immunity blood test results indicate the following: Immunoglobulins Normal IgA 60-400 mg/dL IgG 700-1500 md/dL IgM 60-300 mg/dL IgD 0-14 mg/dL IgE 3-423 IU/mL Immunoglobulins Lesser than the normal range Higher than the normal range Possibilities Kidney disease Severe burn injury Diabetic complications Malnutrition Sepsis Leukaemia Hepatitis Cirrhosis Mononucleosis Chronic infection Viral infection like HIV or cytomegalovirus Multiple myeloma Non-Hodgkin lymphoma