Immunogram

An immunogram (also known as an immunologic blood test) is a medical procedure that is designed to evaluate the function of the immune system by analyzing blood. An immunogram provides information about the various components of the immune system and their activity, which can be useful for diagnosing various immunologic and autoimmune diseases, as well as evaluating a patient's immune status.

Elements of an immunogram may include the following measures and tests:

1. White blood cell count: An estimate of the total number of white blood cells, which play an important role in the body's immune defense.
2. Number and types of lymphocytes: Determination of the number and ratio of different subtypes of lymphocytes such as T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. These cells play a key role in the immune response.
3. Antibody content: Measurement of the level of antibodies (immunoglobulins) in the blood, which can help assess the immune response to infections or vaccinations.
4. Evaluation of phagocytic activity: The study of the ability of white blood cells (phagocytes) to engulf and destroy bacteria and other foreign particles.
5. Immune system response to allergens: Tests to determine allergic reactions and identify allergens to which the patient may be sensitive.
6. Other immunologic markers: Studies may include evaluation of cytokine levels, HLA (histocompatibility) antigens, and other markers related to the immune system.

An immunogram can be a useful tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases such as HIV infection, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases and allergies. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of immunotherapy and vaccination. Immunogram results are usually interpreted by a physician based on the patient's medical history and symptoms.

There are two main types of immunograms: basic and advanced.

1. Baseline immunogram:

   • White blood cell count: Measurement of the total number of white blood cells in the blood.
   • Lymphocytes: Assessment of the number and percentage of different lymphocyte subtypes such as T-cells, B-cells and natural killer cells.
   • Antibodies: Determination of the level of certain antibodies (immunoglobulins) in the blood.
   • Phagocytosis: The study of the ability of white blood cells (phagocytes) to engulf and destroy foreign particles such as bacteria.
   • Determination of other immunologic markers including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

2. Expanded immunogram (also known as a complete immunogram):

   • Includes all parameters of a baseline immunogram as well as additional tests and assays, such as:
   • Evaluation of cytokine levels: Measurement of the levels of various biochemical signaling molecules that play an important role in inflammatory and immune responses.
   • Allergen tests: Allows you to detect allergic reactions to various substances or allergens.
   • Immune Status Analysis: A detailed study of the immune system, including the functional status of cells and receptors.

An extended immunogram is often ordered in more complex clinical situations where a more in-depth evaluation of the immune system is required, such as for diagnosis of autoimmune diseases or monitoring immunotherapy. A baseline immunogram is usually used for an overall assessment of a patient's immune status.

Indications for the procedure of the immunograms

An immunogram may be ordered in the following cases and situations:

1. Suspected immunodeficiency conditions: These can be congenital or acquired disorders of the immune system that can reduce its function and make the body more vulnerable to infections. Examples of such conditions are HIV infection and primary immunodeficiency.
2. Autoimmune diseases: These conditions occur when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and cells. An immunogram can be useful in diagnosing and monitoring autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and others.
3. Assessment of immune status in infectious diseases: An immunogram can help assess the immune response to infection and determine the level of antibodies in the blood.
4. Monitoring the effectiveness of immunotherapy: If a patient is receiving immunotherapy or treatment related to the immune system, an immunogram can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
5. Allergic reactions: An immunogram can help identify allergic reactions and the allergens that cause them.
6. Study Diagnosis: In some cases, an immunogram may be ordered to examine the function of the immune system as part of a medical study.

Preparation

Preparation for an immunogram includes the following recommendations:

1. Prepare for your visit to the doctor or medical laboratory: Schedule an appointment with your doctor in advance and ask if you need to come on an empty stomach.
2. Follow yourdoctor's recommendations: If your doctor has given you specific instructions regarding preparation, follow them. For example, some tests may require fasting and others may not.
3. Clarify medications: If you are taking any medications, tell your doctor or health care provider, as some medications can affect test results.
4. Good nutrition: In most cases, no special diet is required before an immunogram. However, avoid overeating and eating excessive amounts of fatty and heavy foods before the test.
5. Avoid physical activity: Avoid strenuous physical activity before your immunogram blood test. Physical stress can temporarily change immune system readings.
6. Drink water: Try to drink enough water before the test. Hydration can help ensure easy access to the vein to draw blood.
7. Observe hygienic measures: Before taking blood for testing, ensure that your hands and skin are hygienic at the place where the blood will be taken.
8. Relax: Try to be calm and relaxed before your immunogram. Stress and anxiety can affect test results.
9. Follow therecommendations after the test: After the bloodtest, it is important to follow the recommendations of your doctor or health care team, if any. This may include temporarily limiting physical activity or taking medications.

Technique of the immunograms

This test is performed in clinical laboratories and requires specific methodology and equipment. Here is a general technique for performing an immunogram:

1. Patient Preparation:

   • The patient does not need any special preparation for the immunogram. You can usually take food and water before the test.
   • It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, chronic illnesses, and other factors that may affect the results of the study.

2. Blood draw:

   • To perform an immunogram, blood is drawn from the patient. It is usually taken from a vein in the forearm using a special needle and syringe.
   • Sterile bandages or a leukoplasty may be applied after the patient's blood is drawn.

3. Blood sample processing:

   • Blood taken from the patient is subjected to laboratory analysis.
   • Laboratorians process a blood sample to isolate various components of the immune system such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, and others.

4. Blood work:

   • The blood samples obtained are analyzed using a variety of methods, including cytometry (a technique for measuring cellular parameters), immunological tests, and other laboratory techniques.
   • Various parameters such as the number and percentage of different types of lymphocytes (T-cells, B-cells, NK-cells), phagocyte activity and other indicators of immune function are measured.

5. Outcome Assessment:

   • The obtained data are compared with normative values and norms to determine the functional state of the immune system.
   • Doctors interpret the results and draw conclusions about the state of the patient's immune system.

6. Discussion of results and treatment prescription (if necessary):

   • Doctors discuss the findings with the patient and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate treatment or recommendations.

Normal performance

Normal immunogram values can vary depending on the specific laboratory and the testing methods used to analyze immune parameters. Therefore, normal values may vary slightly from one medical facility to another. It is also important to note that normal values may depend on the patient's age, gender, and other factors.

Typically, an immunogram involves measuring various parameters such as white blood cell (white blood cell) count, number and ratio of lymphocyte subtypes (T-cells, B-cells, natural killer cells), antibody levels, and other immunologic markers.

For accurate normal values, you should consult your physician or the laboratory that performs the immunogram. Your doctor will be able to provide you with an interpretation of your results and compare them to normal values, taking into account your medical history and characteristics.

An immunogram can include many different tests and assays, and immunogram results allow doctors to investigate different aspects of immune system function. Here are some of the common parameters and indicators that may be included in an immunogram:

1. General blood test (hemogram): This test involves counting white blood cells (white blood cells), red blood cells (red blood cells), and platelets (thrombocytes). Abnormalities in these parameters may indicate the presence of immune disorders.
2. Lymphocytes: Measuring the number of lymphocytes in the blood helps to assess the immune status of a patient. A decreased lymphocyte count may indicate an abnormal immune system.
3. Counting different lymphocyte subgroups: This analysis involves estimating the number of T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and other subgroups. This helps to identify imbalances in immune cells and understand which aspects of the immune system may be compromised.
4. Immunoglobulin levels: Measuring the concentration of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the blood helps determine how well the immune system is able to fight infections.
5. Cytokines: Assessing the levels of various cytokines in the blood can help identify inflammation and immune system activity.
6. Immunologic tests: An immunogram may include specific tests such as tests for antibodies to infections (e.g., HIV or hepatitis viruses) or autoantibodies for autoimmune diseases.
7. Other parameters: An immunogram may also include other immunologic tests and assays, depending on the clinical situation.

Immunogram results help physicians to assess the state of the immune system, detect the presence of immune disorders, and select appropriate treatment or preventive measures. The interpretation of the results is always performed by a physician, and the interpretation may be specific to each patient and clinical situation.

Immunogram in pregnancy

It can be performed in a number of cases to assess the immune status of the pregnant woman and to monitor her health. It may be performed as part of general medical surveillance and in the following clinical situations:

1. Immune autoimmune diseases: If a woman has an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or diabetes mellitus, an immunogram may be performed to assess activity and monitor the condition during pregnancy.
2. Multiple pregnancies: In multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.), the levels of some immunologic markers may be altered and an immunogram may be useful for monitoring.
3. Immunization: In pregnancy, immune status may need to be assessed to decide whether vaccinations or immunizations are needed to prevent infections that could be harmful to pregnancy.
4. Gestosis: Gestosis (late toxicosis of pregnancy) is a condition that can include high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which may be associated with changes in the immune system. An immunogram can be used to evaluate the immune aspects of this condition.
5. Early Pregnancy: In some cases, an immunogram may be performed to detect early immune problems or inflammation that may affect pregnancy.

Deciphering immunograms in children

May vary depending on age, clinical situation and the tests performed. Immunogram results in children are interpreted by a physician and require specialized medical knowledge. However, I can provide general designations and parameters that may be included in an immunogram in children:

1. General blood test (hemogram):

   • White blood cell count(WBC): Thewhite blood cell count can help assess the presence of inflammation or infection.
   • Lymphocytes (LYM): Their number and ratio to other white blood cells are important in assessing immune status.
   • Neutrophils (NEUT): Their levels can change in infections and inflammatory diseases.

2. Counts of different lymphocyte subgroups:

   • T-lymphocytes (CD3+): An estimate of the total number of T-cells.
   • B-lymphocytes (CD19+): Their numbers are important for evaluating antibodies and immune responses.
   • Neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR): This ratio can be useful in evaluating inflammatory conditions.
3. Immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, IgA): Measuring the concentration of immunoglobulins (antibodies) helps determine the ability of a child's immune system to fight infections.
4. Cytokines and interleukins: Assessing levels of various cytokines (e.g., interferon, interleukins) can help identify inflammatory or immune processes.
5. Immunologic tests: Immunograms in children may also include specific immunologic tests to detect antibodies to various infections or autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases.

Immunogram results in children always require interpretation by a pediatrician or immunologist because they depend on the child's age, health status, and medical history. The physician usually considers these results in the context of symptoms and clinical presentation to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, if necessary.

The device for analysis

Different laboratory methods and machines are used to analyze an immunogram, depending on what immune system parameters need to be studied. Here are some of the common methods and types of machines that can be used to analyze an immunogram:

1. Flow cytometry: This method allows the analysis of individual cells in a blood sample and the determination of different populations of lymphocytes and other immune cells. Flow cytometers are used for this purpose.
2. Immunoassays (ELISA): ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is used to measure the levels of various immunoglobulins (antibodies) and cytokines in the blood. ELISA uses microplates and special readers.
3. Immunofluorescence microscopy: This technique is used to visualize and examine antibodies and immune complexes in biological tissue samples. A microscope with fluorescence capability is used for this purpose.
4. Immunoblotting: Immunoblotting allows the detection of specific proteins and antibodies in a sample. Immunoblotters and electrophoresis machines are used for this purpose.
5. Molecular Methods: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and other molecular methods can be used to study immune genes and gene expressions.
6. TecScopy techniques: Some immunogram tests may be performed using microscopes and special techniques such as live blood microscopy.

Raising and lowering of values

An immunogram provides information about various parameters and indicators of the immune system. An increase or decrease in immunogram values can indicate various immune system conditions and diseases. Below are some common examples of elevated and decreased immunogram values and their possible interpretations:

Increased immunogram values:

1. Elevated white blood cells: This may indicate an inflammatory process or infection in the body.
2. Increasedlymphocyte count: An increase in the number of lymphocytes, especially T cells, may indicate an active immune response in infections, inflammatory diseases, or autoimmune conditions.
3. Elevated total immunoglobulin levels: This may indicate hypergammaglobulinemia, which can be caused by a variety of reasons including infections, autoimmune diseases, and others.
4. Increased neutrophil activity: This may be seen in bacterial infections or inflammatory conditions.

Decreased immunogram values:

1. Decreased total white blood cell count: This may be due to bone marrow disorders, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, viral infections, or immunodeficiency conditions.
2. Decreased lymphocyte count: This may be a consequence of HIV infection or other immunodeficiency conditions.
3. Decreased immunoglobulin levels: This may indicate immunodeficiency conditions or antibody disorders.
4. Decreased neutrophil activity: This may be due to agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, or drug effects.

It is important to emphasize that interpretation of immunogram results requires knowledge of the context and clinical situation, and may also depend on the specific regulations and laboratory techniques used in a particular laboratory.