The analysis of blood immunological (immunogram): indications, features of carrying out, decoding

The immunological blood test is a method used by medical experts to determine the ability of the patient's body to resist serious bacterial and viral diseases. The diagnostic results determine the level of immune defense, assessing the qualitative and quantitative indices of cells and the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream.

How does body defense work?

Alien agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, chemical and toxic substances) that enter the human body are called antigens. The immune system reacts to their intrusion by actively producing 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 blood from foreign agents associated with blood cells occurs in the spleen. Lymphocytes are transported through the body and are carried to different areas with lymphatic flow through the lymphatic vessels. This is the peripheral part of the immune system.

Indications for the diagnosis

The immunological blood test is administered in the following cases:

• Frequently recurring diseases of infectious genesis;
• Severe infectious disease;
• Immunodeficiency acquired or inherent in nature;
• Presence of an autoimmune disease;
• Allergic conditions;
• The need for extensive serious surgical interventions;
• Postoperative complications;
• Control of the results of reception of immunomodulators in dynamics;
• anorexia;
• Intoxications of a different nature;
• Tumor processes;
• diabetes;
• Development of serious side effects on the background of medication.

Indicators of the immunogram are not deciphered by laboratory workers. The results of the survey are evaluated by the treating specialist.

Immunological examination of blood

Obtaining the final results of the analysis includes a whole range of measures aimed at determining the quantitative and qualitative indices of immune cells - immunoglobulins. In most cases, in the direction of the analysis, the specialist indicates which link in the work of the protection factors should be assessed.

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

Blood is often taken for the following immunological factors:

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

Overview of key indicators

The analysis for the immunogram primarily determines the level and indices of immunoglobulins. The greatest number (about 75%) is occupied by immunoglobulins G. They are able to penetrate the placental barrier from the mother's body into the fetus, creating their own protective system for the baby.

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

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

IgA constitute 15% of the total mass of immunoglobulins. They are the factors protecting the mucous membranes. An immunological blood test shows an elevated level in the development of lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, myeloma, alcohol poisoning.

During the first 14 days of the disease, IgA appears. For another 7 days, IgM is added to their number. By the end of the month from the onset of the development of the disease in the blood, antibodies of class A, M and G can be detected. As long as the patient is recovering, IgA and IgG remain in the circulatory system, but their quantitative indices are reduced by 2-4 times.

There are also IgE and IgD. These antibodies appear in allergic manifestations and helminthic invasions. In a healthy person, they have low rates.

Alloimmune antibodies

These are specific antibodies that appear in the body to the erythrocyte antigens. Their development can be caused by Rh-conflict pregnancy or blood transfusion. The basis is the recognition of the Rh factor of donor blood as an alien.

The analysis is assigned in the following cases:

• The period of bearing a child for the prevention of Rh-conflict;
• Observation of those pregnant women who have a negative Rh factor;
• Miscarriage in history;
• The development of hemolytic disease of the newborn;
• Examination of the patient before blood transfusion.

Antisperm antibodies

Immunogram, the price of which indicates the use of quality innovative diagnostic methods, allows to assess the presence of antisperm antibodies in the blood. This method is used as an additional diagnosis of infertility of couples.

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

Immunodeficiency conditions

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

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

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

To restore the work of the immune system when developing pathological deficiencies, the principles of correction are used:

1. Engineers of the immune character - bone marrow transplantation, liver, thymus gland, immunoglobulin administration, 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 the collection of morning venous blood (on an empty stomach before 12:00). The day before the material is withdrawn it is necessary to refrain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco smoking, and to limit physical activity. In the morning before going to the laboratory you can drink only water.

On the day of donating blood, do not take any medication. If this is not possible, then report this factor to the laboratory staff, so that the evaluation of the results was not erroneous. Biochemical studies are conducted before any diagnostic and treatment procedures.

The advantages and disadvantages of the method

Immunological analysis of blood, the decoding of which is carried out by an immunologist or treating specialist, has the following advantages:

• The possibility of obtaining accurate results;
• Definition of the disease in the early stages of development;
• Carrying out correction of drug therapy after determining the ratio of immune defenses;
• Help with difficulties in diagnosing.

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

Conclusion

Immunogram is a reliable and accurate analysis. Its implementation requires high qualification of laboratory assistants. The decoding will allow to determine the state of the body's defenses, confirm or deny the diagnosis, select an effective treatment regimen and increase resistance to infectious diseases.