How to check immunity: signs of a decrease in immune protection and methods of testing. How to determine (assess) the state of immunity

- immunity. Your body's ability to resist infections, viruses, bacteria, and anything else that threatens your health. If the immune system is weakened, the body stops responding to harmful microorganisms that enter it from the outside. The defense is broken and all "" are picked up instantly, and are cured for a long time. What can be the reason for going to the doctor and checking immunity.

If you constantly suffer from chronic respiratory diseases, if you have tonsillitis, permanent herpes, furunculosis, if there is chronic fatigue syndrome, drowsiness, lack of interest in life. This is an occasion to consult a doctor and check the immunity. First " alarm bell» reduced immunity can become frequent colds, especially those accompanied by infections of the upper respiratory tract. If you catch a cold no more than once every three months, everything is in order with your immunity and you should not worry.

What is an immunogram

Immunity is checked by an immunogram. This is a special blood test that examines the components immune systems s. Leukocytes, phagocytes and other cells protect the body from diseases. Their number and activity and .

How is an immunogram done?

As already mentioned, this is a blood test. For research, blood is taken, always on an empty stomach. If you eat or drink anything, even water, before the test, the result may be distorted.

The result will be “decoded” by the immunologist, who writes out the direction to. By the way, the immunogram allows not only to control general level immunity, but also to identify characteristic changes in the body due to a specific disease, which can significantly help in the treatment.

How to boost immunity

Medication, if the situation is really serious. But self-prescription of drugs and self-treatment is categorically contraindicated. With immunity jokes are bad. Therefore, only a doctor can prescribe medicines for raising immunity after an immunogram. But various natural immunostimulants, such as honey, echinacea, herbal remedies, you can - amazing ability human organism to defend itself against foreign objects(bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) with the help of organs and cells of the immune system.

Photo 1. In the human body, cells are produced that guard health. Source: Flickr (Interactive Content).

Protective organs include:

Central:

  • Red Bone marrow - a substance found in the spongy substance of the bones, in which immune cells (T and B-lymphocytes) originate and develop.
  • thymusmain body immune system, in which T-lymphocytes are divided into types (T-killers, T-helpers, T-suppressors).

Peripheral:

  • lymph nodes- organs of immunity, which are located along lymphatic vessels, and act as filters (that is, they do not allow pathogenic cells to spread throughout the body).

Spleen- the largest organ of the immune system, in which:

  • the reserve of blood cells is preserved;
  • captured alien objects are destroyed;
  • mature immunocompetent cells (macrophages).

Each organ and each cell of the immune system performs its own special function. With well-coordinated teamwork, they protect your body, and you do not get sick every time someone sneezes on you.

Symptoms of reduced immunity

If the immune system malfunctions for any reason, the onset of symptoms will not be long in coming. So, you should think about the state of immunity if you or your child:

  • often (from 10 times a year) and have a hard time with infectious diseases;
  • get tired quickly from work, feel weak, and do not feel a surge of strength after sleep and rest;
  • became scattered and irritable.

How to test immunity

To test the strength of your immunity, you can do special analysis.

Thanks to this test, you can find out how many immune cells are in the blood, and assess how active they are.

Indications for testing immunity

The analysis can be carried out simply to assess your health, but prerequisite for the appointment of the study are the following symptoms.

Without medical care you can only suspect a decrease in immunity. Therefore, if you find at least one symptom in yourself or your child, the cause of which you cannot explain, contact your doctor.

Note! Immunogram is the only reliable way immunity checks.

How the analysis is done

Blood taken for immunogram from a finger or vein(depending on the goals and rules of the laboratory) in the morning, on an empty stomach. In some cases, the analysis can be used cerebrospinal fluid, saliva and mucus from the nasopharynx.

The doctor evaluates the number of T- and B-lymphocytes, the levels of immunoglobulins A, E, M, G, the number of leukocytes and their activity.

Deciphering the results

The table below shows the norms of the most commonly studied immunogram parameters.

IndicatorNorm
T-lymphocytes (T-ROK, E-ROK)50-70% (50.4±3.14)x0.6-2.5 thousand
B-lymphocytes (B-ROK, EAS-ROK)6-20% 0.1-0.9 thousand
Theophylline resist. T-lymph. (TFR-ROK)50-65% (42.4±2.37)
Theophylline of the senses. T-lymph. (TFCh-ROK)6-10% (9.01±1.41)
IRI6-8 (1.7-2.5 with monoclones)
Spontaneous rosettes29.9±4.2%
Neutrophils N8-ROK1.12±0.1 thousand
Complementary rosettes12.0±1.8%
Neutrophils N0-ROK0.45±0.04 thousand
Null lymphocytes26.0±5.0% 0.57±0.04 thousand
Zero neutrophils55.4±4.0% 2.15±0.20 thousand
Ig A0.5-2.0 (1.12±0.16)
Ig M0.5-2.5 (1.09±0.24)
IgG5.0-14.0 (7.08±0.93)
Ig E (enzymatic immunoassay)Up to 100 IU/ml (76±9 kU/l)
Phagocytic activity of neutrophils:
With staphylococcus40-80% (74.6±4.91)
With latex47,5-79,1%
phagocytic number6-9 (9.7±1.38)
Circulating immune complexes0-6.5 g/l (6.3±0.83) or up to 100 units

Note! A deviation from the norm in one or more indicators does not necessarily mean that you have some kind of disease.

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may appoint additional tests , or advise to retake the immunogram again (for example, to take an analysis during illness and after recovery).

Features of testing immunity in children

The immune system of children is finally formed by the age of five. Therefore, unnecessarily, it is not necessary to injure the child's psyche with unnecessary trips to hospitals and the procedure for taking blood. Do not worry too much when the child often gets sick with acute respiratory diseases. It is when meeting with new bacteria and viruses that immunity is formed. But in cases where the usual ARVI constantly develops into bronchitis, otitis media, etc., it is still worth consulting a doctor with a question about immunity.

It is interesting! Ancient Chinese wisdom says: "To grow up healthy, a child must be snotty."

In the event of allergies, diseases of the immune system and a deficiency of protection, a person should do an analysis to assess the immune status. This will help to identify violations in the system, prescribe treatment, evaluate its effectiveness and predict the outcome of the disease. The most complete picture of the state of human immunity is given by an immunogram.

What is immune status

medical term the immune status was introduced to assess the state of human immunity. Doctors say that immune status- this is a number of indicators by which it is possible to objectively assess how the human protection system works in a given period of time. Nuances:

  1. For evaluation, a blood test is performed for the presence and amount of immunoglobulins, protective proteins, lymphocytes.
  2. As part of the procedure and subsequent analysis, it is revealed how active the protective components are in their function.
  3. In addition to blood, cells of the mucous membranes, skin, urine, cerebrospinal fluid can be taken for analysis.

Why is an immunological blood test needed?

Evaluation of the immune status will help the doctor clarify the diagnosis, determine the severity of the disease and think over tactics medical therapy. The main tasks that the analysis for immunity helps to solve are:

  • detection in the biological environment of specific antigens, antibodies, by which it is possible to determine the origin of oncology, pneumonia, hepatitis, influenza, HIV;
  • identification of allergens in the manifestation of allergic reactions;
  • determination of immunological changes, which reveal autoimmune diseases, disorders of cellular immunity;
  • diagnosis of primary, secondary immunodeficiency states;
  • monitoring the effectiveness of immunosuppressive and cytotoxic therapy, its side effects;
  • the choice of adequate therapy for the modulation of immunity;
  • control of the immune system during tissue or organ transplantation.

If deviations are found in the work of immunity, the doctor prescribes immunotropic drugs. These include immunostimulants, immunomodulators, or immunosuppressants. The therapy option is substitution treatment with the introduction into the body:

  1. special serums;
  2. immunoglobulins to support the system;
  3. additional mass of leukocytes;
  4. interferons that strengthen the body.

When is a blood test for immunity ordered?

Indications to donate blood for immune status are:

  • violations in the work of immunity;
  • immunodeficiency;
  • hyperreactivity of the immune system;
  • autoimmune reactions, in which the immune system attacks its own tissues;
  • severe course infectious diseases;
  • chronic or recurrent with increased frequency of colds;
  • chronic inflammation;
  • connective tissue diseases;
  • an increase in the body temperature of a child or adult with unclear reason;
  • increase lymph nodes, otitis;
  • chronic state of fatigue of the child;
  • sudden weight loss.

They are denied an immunogram when:

  1. expecting a child;
  2. sexually transmitted diseases;
  3. AIDS diagnosis;
  4. acute viral infection.

Preparing for an immunogram

You can assess your immunological status in laboratory conditions. First, the patient undergoes a medical examination to identify complaints and symptoms of diseases. After that, the therapist prescribes an expensive immunogram with subsequent decoding. Preparation for analysis is as follows:

  • blood is given on an empty stomach - any food is excluded in 8-12 hours, you can drink only non-carbonated water;
  • one day before the procedure, you can not drink alcohol, and 2-3 hours before the procedure - smoke;
  • analysis is given from 7 to 10 am;
  • a few days to cancel the reception of any medicines if not possible, notify the doctor;
  • on the day of blood donation, you need to be calm, not nervous, do not exercise;
  • pay the price of the procedure indicated by the institution in advance.

What does the study of the immune status mean?

A complex and time-consuming analysis of the immune status includes several stages, each of which has its own tests. Level 1 includes research:

  1. phagocytic function - this is the calculation of the norm of phagocytes, the assessment of their intensity of absorption of microbes, the ability of digestion;
  2. complement systems - the so-called hemotest;
  3. T-systems - this is the count of lymphocytes, the percentage of mature T-lymphocytes and their populations, the response to mitogens;
  4. B-systems - studying the concentration of immunoglobulins, the percentage of B-lymphocytes.

Level 2 tests include research:

  1. phagocytic function - on the intensity of chemotaxis, expression, NBT-test;
  2. T-systems - the study of cytokines, necrosis, response to specific antigens, allergic reactions;
  3. B-systems - determination of the norm of immunoglobulins, specific antibodies, lymphocyte response.

Assessment of the immune status for humoral immunity

Humoral immunity will help to understand how much immunoglobulins and other protective proteins are in the blood. To evaluate it, an analysis of blood serum is used, which determines the relative and absolute content of B-class lymphocytes, their subpopulations. The analysis also includes the identification of complement components, circulating immune complexes, and functional tests. At the last stage, specific antibodies are determined and skin tests are performed.

Cellular immunostatus

Complements the study of the immune status of the analysis of cellular immunity. It is carried out on the basis of blood evaluation, gives an idea of ​​the content and qualitative ratio of lymphocytes. These blood white cells provide antiviral immunity in the body. During the analysis, the number of B, T-lymphocytes, double cells is counted. Based on the results of the procedure, leukocyte-T-lymphocyte and immunoregulatory indices will be indicated.

How is the nonspecific resistance of the organism determined?

Defense Forces human body work at the moment of penetration of any pathogen, therefore they do not depend on preliminary contact with microbes and viruses. These immunochemical mechanisms are called non-specific factors that determine the resistance resistance of the body. Its study is carried out allergic methods injections of histamine under the skin, determine the activity of blood serum, count the amount of proteins.

What does an immunogram show

A special analysis that helps to determine the immune status is called an immunogram. Based on its results, one can understand the state of immunity and its main components. The main indicators are the number of leukocytes and antibodies, the ability of cells to phagocytosis. An important indicator state of the immune system is the presence of antibodies or immunoglobulins. There are several groups of them that are responsible for certain properties:

  • type A - fights toxins, protects mucous membranes healthy person;
  • type M - the first to respond to contact with the microbe, the presence shows an acute inflammatory process;
  • type G - shows chronic inflammation;
  • type E - indicates the presence of allergies.

How to correctly decipher a blood test for immune status

Only an immunologist can correctly decipher the received analysis of the immune status, because it takes into account the indications of symptoms and individual characteristics patient. For a non-specialist, the immunogram readings will look like a set of symbols or numbers, but some readings can be parsed:

  • if phagocytosis is reduced, this indicates inflammation or purulent process;
  • reduced rate of T-lymphocytes - AIDS is likely;
  • elevated level type E immunoglobulins - allergies, worms;
  • an increased number of leukocytes acute inflammation;
  • excessive concentration of lymphocytes - a viral infection.

A doctor with the proper qualifications will decipher the readings of the analysis, but a re-examination will be required after a few weeks for the reliability of the diagnosis. This is done to ensure that there is no error in the analysis. A random jump in indicators can be affected by:

  1. taking medication;
  2. patient stress;
  3. incorrect analysis.

The price of an analysis for immune status

Not all indicators will be included in the analysis for the immune status, but only the necessary and prescribed by the doctor. The cost of performing an immunogram will depend on this. Price for separate test starts from 100 rubles, and for the most expensive indicator - from 1000. If we take an extended comprehensive analysis, then its price will be about 6000 rubles, the standard package will cost 4000 rubles. If the analysis is required to be carried out urgently, then it will not be possible to do it inexpensively - they take plus 50% of the price for the time.

Video: immunogram - what shows in children

The immune system is the body's main line of defense against disease. Human health and the ability to resist allergies and bacteria and viral infections directly depend on it. Knowing the level of immune status has become possible thanks to the current level of development of medical technologies with the ability to take a blood test to identify certain indicators that accurately diagnose certain diseases. Such a diagnostic method is an immunogram, which is a blood sampling 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 is better to consult a specialist to decipher 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 - is responsible for the detection and neutralization of microorganisms through leukocytes. Humoral - responds with control measures using immunoglobulins, which are proteins.

An indication for the appointment of an analysis can be:

  • Symptoms of reduced immunity protection in the form of frequent long-term ongoing and prolonged recovery after them. To confirm the diagnosis;
  • Monitoring of 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;
  • Assumed vaccination.

Blood for the study of immunodeficiency is taken from a vein. Preparing for an immunogram does not require serious effort. However, there are a few simple steps you need to take:

  • The day before the examination, you should abandon physical exertion and overstrain of the body;
  • The day before the analysis and on the day of its conduct, 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 pure water tea and coffee are also prohibited.

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

What the study shows

Immunity analysis aims to obtain the following list of information:

  • Shared Quantity leukocyte cells. A certain class is also evaluated 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 estimated by the number of classes of immunoglobulins circulating in the blood - "G" and "A", as well as their ratio. This makes it possible to judge the duration of the course 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 your level of resistance of protective cells to harmful pathogens. It is carried out by counting immunoglobulins, as well as complexes in the material with the calculation of the phagocytic index. In other words, it is possible to determine the degree of the immune system of phagocytosis - the process by which the absorption and digestion of foreign agents occurs;
  • Complement components C3 and C4, which are represented by proteins and affect the course of inflammatory processes, participating in phagocytosis;
  • CEC - circulating immune complexes. For this, the antigen-antibody chain, which is formed in response to the reaction of the immune system against microorganisms, is examined.

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

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

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

If you plan to check the immunity of a child, you need to take into account your own nuances. The immune system of babies is formed only by the age of five, which means that until the age of five, information about its protection cannot be reliable. This examination is carried out only certain indications and doctor's recommendations. Very rarely, an analysis is prescribed for infants under the age of one year. An 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, negative factor is the very fact of blood loss. To conduct a study, approximately 50 ml of blood is needed, which is a lot, besides, taking blood 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. Conducting 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 make an immunogram, which will determine the person's immunity and deviations from the norm. Timely, well-conducted health examination and laboratory diagnostics immunity will help to identify possible pathologies and start timely treatment. And people suffering from neurological autoimmune diseases should not forget about periodically checking their main protective mechanism in order to track the dynamics of the development of the process and prevent deterioration.

Today, this field 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 immunity.

Health problems indicate a weakened immune defense of the body. When the first signs of a decrease in stability appear infectious diseases it is recommended to consult a doctor for an immune test. The presented article will help to get acquainted with the nuances of the immunogram of adults and children.

Cough is a non-specific defensive reaction of the body. His main function is the cleansing of the respiratory tract from sputum, dust or a foreign object.

For its treatment in Russia was developed natural preparation"Immunity", which is successfully used today. It is positioned as a drug to increase immunity, but relieves cough by 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 biochemical reactions organism.

The cause of the cough is not important, whether it is a seasonal cold, swine flu, pandemic, elephant flu is not flu at all - it doesn’t matter. An important factor is that it is a virus, affecting organs breathing. And "Immunity" copes with this best of all and is absolutely harmless!

When is an immune blood test needed?

If a decrease in immune defense is detected, tests for immunity are required. A medical comprehensive check allows you to determine the state of immunity of an adult. At the same time, not everyone can be assigned a study to determine the immune status of a person.

An immunogram is prescribed in the following cases:

  • If you are ill and suspected of having HIV;
  • In case of illness or suspicion of oncology;
  • After the operation;
  • With frequent colds (more than 7 times during the year);
  • If for an extended period of time the temperature rises for no reason;
  • A blood test for immunity is prescribed with an increase in lymph nodes;
  • An immunogram is performed when symptoms appear: constant fatigue, drowsiness, apathy;
  • In case of damage to the mucous membranes and oral cavity fungus.

How to prepare?

Before carrying out a blood test for immunity, it is recommended to properly prepare for the immunogram. Following all the rules will allow you to obtain the 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 8-12 hours before the analysis is prohibited. You can take water;
  • It is forbidden to drink alcohol a day before the test and smoke for three hours;
  • Before taking the immunogram should not be used medicines within a few days;
  • Not recommended to practice exercise before a blood test for immunity.

How is a blood test for immunity performed?

To carry out a check to determine the immune status of a person, it is necessary to donate blood from a vein. Through the analysis, the number of leukocytes and their activity are established.

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

It is possible to cure children from the presented ailments with the help of Immunity drops for immunity. It kills viruses in 2 days and eliminates secondary features influenza and ODS. And in 5 days it removes toxins from the body, reducing the period of rehabilitation after an illness.

The immunogram involves the following steps:

  • At the first stage of verification, general analysis blood. 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. In the course of the blood test, the area where the immune system has been disrupted is determined.

The results of a blood test for immunity are evaluated by an immunologist. The specialist compares the obtained indicators with the norm, taking into account characteristics organism.

To obtain the most accurate data, it is recommended to undergo an immunogram several times: during the period of the disease, during the recovery of the adult body and during the period of a healthy state. Based on all the results, the doctor can track the dynamics of immunity activity and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Important to pay attention that women in period menstrual cycle cannot donate blood to test immunity. It is necessary to conduct a study at the end of the cycle.

Ways to implement an immunogram:

  • The study of cellular immunity - the number of cellular elements is determined, and their types as a percentage;
  • Blood test for examination of humoral immunity - the presence of antibodies and globulins is taken into account;
  • Research on interferon status - during the immunogram, the number and signal cellular elements are determined;
  • Checking the complement system;
  • NST - analysis - during the blood test, the functioning of phagocytes is determined;
  • ESP test - eosophilic protein elements. An indicator that exceeds the norm indicates the penetration of microbes.

Immunogram indicators

At the end of the 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 the immune status.

Child check

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 immune defense of the baby is formed during the first five years of life. In the presented period, the baby's body seeks to independently counteract pathogenic viruses and bacteria and develop its own defenses. To conduct an immunity test, you need to get 50 ml of blood, which is a weight indicator for a child.

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

One of the complications of the flu and the common cold is inflammation of the middle ear. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to treat otitis media. However, it is recommended to use the drug "Immunity". This product has been developed and tested clinical trials at the research institute medicinal plants Academy of Medical Sciences. The results show that 86% of patients with acute otitis media, taking the drug, got rid of the disease for 1 course of use.

In order to check the quality of the immune system indicators in the complex, the patient needs to pass special tests for immunity. 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. Factors of internal and external character due to constant changes in the norms of the immune system. This happens from the moment of embryonic maturation.

Highly important role in the formation of human immunity plays baby food in the first two years of life. Subsequently, the immune system falters after past illnesses, as well as in violation of the work of any other body system (endocrine, digestive, nervous and circulatory).

It follows from this that failures in the functioning of the immune system are accompanied by pathological currents that develop in the human body.

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

Organs of the human immune systemIndications

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

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

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

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

Immunity blood test after viral illnessesStep-by-step blood test

With complex blood biochemistry in adults and children, the procedure for conducting an immunogram must be observed.

First stage:

Initially, it is necessary to determine the amount of antibodies produced by the body in the blood, leading an intensive 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, is subjected to a single-level study. If the concentration of immunoglobulins is reduced, are carried out additional tests, allowing you to accurately determine the composition of blood plasma. The second stage of the analysis reveals a certain immunoglobulin with a reduced concentration.

The result of the second stage is:

  • Determination of the rate of phagocytosis. How fast immune cells destroy microorganisms of a pathogenic nature, as well as their ability to process these microorganisms.
  • definition high content lymphocytes in a blood test.

A more accurate assessment of the state of the immune system allows the third stage of the study. After that, 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, forming and regulating defensive reactions organism.
  • The process of cell adhesion.
  • Allergy to viral antibodies.

Carrying out a blood test for the concentration of the hormone is called an in vitro analysis. It detects certain types of tumors and malignant neoplasms. Therefore, when passing an analysis for immunity, in vitro analysis will be quite useful.

Laboratory blood test for hormonesPreparation

Faced with the obligation to check the immune system, a person needs to make sure that the analysis will be carried out qualitatively, and he will be as informed as possible about his current condition.

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

When donating blood for immunity, it must be remembered that some medications can affect the result. The concentration of globulin may change after taking an antibiotic.

Also, one should not forget that viral infections and inflammations cause acute reaction all the components that make up the immune system. Therefore, the delivery of a blood test should be carried out 30 days after the elimination of the focus of inflammation. It is not necessary to conduct such a study for a child who has recently begun attending a kindergarten.

Assess the clinical picture and pathological changes in the body is possible only with the help of a complete analysis of the state of immunity. Diagnosis and initiation of treatment does not occur on the basis of an immunogram alone.

Changes in immunity parameters are possible due to previous diseases. However, the identification of deviations from the normative indicators does not always need to be corrected. Orientation is clinical picture describing the ongoing pathology. Correction is necessary with a decrease in age indicators by 28% and their persistent preservation for a long time.

It must be taken into account that with physical activity parameters change. If deviations from the standards are insignificant, then we can safely say about correct work immune system.

In most cases immunological research the presence of immunoglobulin types is established: A, M, G and, in some cases, class E immunoglobulin.

Immunoglobulin A fights harmful microorganisms on the mucous membranes and consists of secretory and serum proteins in the blood. Their presence can be found in the salivary fluid, in the intestinal and respiratory tract. This protein is rich in milk and lacrimal fluid. Bacteria and virus fighter.

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

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

Immunoglobulin E or reagin provides antihelminthic immunity. But its main function is the recognition of allergens.

The table shows the analysis of immunity is normal for each age group.

Age Immunoglobulin A ImmunoglobulinM ImmunoglobulinG Immunoglobulin E

1 to 3 months

From 4 to 6 months.

2 to 3 years

4 to 5 years

6 to 7 years old

10 to 11 years old

12 - 13 years old

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

High and low rates

If the concentration of immunoglobulin A is reduced, then in body goes the development of a viral or chronic bacterial infection. Reduced rates are observed in people in the postoperative period.

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

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

The immune system helps our body resist negative impact, serious illnesses, and block various processes associated with the development of tumors. When it fails, there may be serious problems with health, and to identify and eliminate the "weak points" of immunity, there is a special blood test that allows you to study the immune status and shows the patient's ability to resist various infections.

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

  • The 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 different groups, you can determine the duration of infection and draw a conclusion about the course of the disease.
  • Determination of subpopulations of lymphocytes allows you to find out the composition of each of the two existing groups 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.
  • Complement components C3 and C4 are proteins from the complement system that play an important role in the inflammation process, facilitating phagocytosis.
  • The CEC (Circulating Immune Complex) analysis examines the antigen-antibody chain that is formed as an immune response to the ingress of foreign microorganisms.

Blood test

When making an immunogram, they mainly use blood taken from a finger or from a vein. The taken amount of blood is distributed in two test tubes, in one of which the blood immediately coagulates, and contains the molecules needed for analysis and a clot containing shaped cells; the other tube contains a substance that prevents blood from clotting, due to which desired cells kept in suspension.

In the case when the doctor is interested in the immune status of the mucous membranes, then saliva, mucus or lacrimal fluid is taken for analysis. If you need to know the immune status nervous system, take CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), but this happens in rare cases.

Indications for a blood test for immunity

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

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

Immune status - normal / not normal

A 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 their corresponding numbers, which are understandable only to a specialist.

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

To be sure of 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 prescription.

What factors affect immunity (video)

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  • 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 protection of the body, a special analysis is carried out - an immunogram. An immunogram will help determine the state of humoral and cellular immunity using the analysis of leukocytes and immunoglobulins.

Often many people are concerned about the question of how to check their immunity, because this is directly related to the condition protective function body against various diseases.

Symptoms of decreased immunity

The human body often gives signals about what to pay attention to. Before you check the immunity, you need to take a closer look at yourself, to 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, malaise, then these symptoms should alert. A weak state of immunity is indicated by constant headaches, craving for sleep during the day and its absence at night, periodic body aches. Loss of appetite can also be a sign of a weak protective function of the body. Human immunity does not cope with its task if more than 10 infectious diseases are transferred in a year.

The condition of the skin is one of several factors in determining the level of protection of the body. In a weakened person pale skin with rashes, peeling and skin inflammations. Reduced immunity is accompanied by dark circles under the eyes.

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

Particular attention should be paid to the condition of nails and hair. If the immune system is impaired, the nails become brittle and weak. It happens that white spots appear on the nails or they become uneven. The hair of a weakened person looks dull, often falls out, splits and breaks.

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

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