Immunity

Learn how immunity testing is performed, how to prepare, and how to interpret results together with a clinician.

Immunogram: what it shows and how it is interpreted

An immunogram (also known as an immunoassay) is a medical procedure that is designed to assess the function of the immune system by analyzing blood.

Immunological tests in urology: when they are prescribed

Prescribing an immunogram for a urological patient means the treating physician suspects a disorder in the immune system. Recurring bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, allergic reactions, and systemic diseases can be signs of these disorders, which are characterized by a number of syndromes (infectious, oncological, allergic, autoimmune, and lymphoproliferative).

The complement system: analysis of components and their significance

The complement system consists of nine sequentially activated components and three inhibitors. This system plays a crucial role, particularly in inflammation and in the development of the body's resistance to infectious agents.

NBT test: assessment of neutrophil oxidative burst

The spontaneous NBT (nitroblue tetrazolium) test allows for the in vitro assessment of the oxygen-dependent bactericidal mechanism of blood phagocytes (granulocytes). It characterizes the state and degree of activation of the intracellular NADPH oxidase antibacterial system.

Phagocytosis: Laboratory Assessment of Immune Cell Function

Phagocytosis is the ingestion of large particles visible under a microscope (e.g., microorganisms, large viruses, damaged cell bodies, etc.) by a cell. The process of phagocytosis can be divided into two phases. In the first phase, the particles bind to the membrane surface. In the second phase, the actual ingestion of the particle and its subsequent destruction occur.

Lymphocyte blast transformation with mitogens: response assessment

The functional activity of T- and B-lymphocytes is assessed by the reaction of blast transformation of lymphocytes using mitogens - PHA, ConA, latex, lipopolysaccharides, etc.

Lymphocyte blast transformation: spontaneous reaction and meaning

Spontaneous lymphocyte blast transformation is the ability of lymphocytes to transform without stimulation. This test is used to assess the functional activity of T lymphocytes.

Inhibition of leukocyte migration: immunological test and meaning

The leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMI) assesses the ability of T-lymphocytes to produce lymphokines in response to antigen stimulation. This test assesses the functional activity of T-lymphocytes and can be used to diagnose immunodeficiency (mitogen reaction) and delayed-type hypersensitivity (allergy) (reaction to a specific antigen or allergen).

CD56 NK lymphocytes: subpopulations and diagnostic significance

CD56 lymphocytes are effector cells of cellular immunity, responsible for antiviral, antitumor, and transplant immunity (see CD16 lymphocytes above). A decrease in CD56 lymphocytes leads to the development of cancer and a worsening of viral infections.

CD25 T cells: interleukin 2 receptors and activation

CD25 – activated T lymphocytes that stimulate antibody production and cytotoxicity. This indicator reflects the ability of lymphocytes to proliferate and differentiate and characterizes the functional state of activated T lymphocytes.

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