Testing and Boosting Your Immune System
The most comprehensive approach to testing immune function involves a combination of screening tests including complete blood counts, immunoglobulin levels, specific antibody titers, and lymphocyte subset analysis by flow cytometry. 1
Diagnostic Testing for Immune Function
Initial Screening Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential: May reveal lymphopenia, leukopenia, or neutropenia, suggesting specific immune defects 1
- Serum Immunoglobulin Levels: Quantitative measurement of IgG, IgA, and IgM to detect abnormal levels of major immunoglobulin classes 1, 2
- Specific Antibody Titers: Measures response to vaccines or natural exposure, providing insight into functional immune response 1
- Lymphocyte Subset Analysis: Flow cytometry to enumerate CD4 and CD8 T cells, B cells, and NK cells 1
Advanced Immune Testing
- T-cell Function Tests: Lymphocyte proliferation response to mitogens and antigens 3
- NK Cell Cytotoxicity: Measures natural killer cell function 1
- Flow Cytometry: Increasingly used to test immune cell function, intracellular cytokine production, cellular signaling pathways, and protein expression 4
- ELISPOT Assays: Identifies functional antigen-specific cells 1
- Genetic Testing: For suspected specific immunodeficiencies, including targeted gene sequencing or whole-exome/genome sequencing 1
Boosting Immune Function
Vaccination
- Stay Current with Recommended Vaccines: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends specific vaccines based on age, health status, and risk factors 3
- Influenza Vaccination: Particularly important for persons with chronic medical conditions and those aged ≥65 years 3
- Avoid Live Vaccines if immunocompromised, as they can cause disseminated infection 1
Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintain Proper Nutrition: Essential for optimal immune function
- Regular Physical Activity: Moderate exercise supports immune health
- Adequate Sleep: Critical for immune system recovery and function
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can suppress immune function
For Suspected Immunodeficiency
- Consult a Specialist: Immediate referral to a tertiary care center with expertise in immunodeficiency is essential for early diagnosis and intervention 1
- Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy: For antibody deficiencies 3
- Prophylactic Antimicrobials: Based on specific defect identified 1
- Prompt Treatment of Infections: Aggressive management of any infections is crucial 1
Important Considerations
When to Suspect Immune Dysfunction
- Recurrent, persistent, or severe infections
- Infections with unusual or opportunistic organisms
- Failure to thrive
- Chronic diarrhea
- Family history of immunodeficiency
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Relying on Single Tests: A comprehensive approach using multiple testing modalities provides more accurate assessment 1
- Ignoring Age-Related Variations: Immunoglobulin levels vary significantly with age 1
- Transplacental IgG Transfer: Can mask deficiencies in infants 1
- Sample Quality Issues: Proper sample handling is essential to maintain cell viability for flow cytometry 1
Testing Strategy Based on Suspected Deficiency
- Antibody Deficiency: Start with serum immunoglobulin levels, specific antibody titers, and B cell enumeration 1
- Cellular Deficiency: Begin with lymphocyte subset analysis and T cell functional studies 1
- Combined Deficiency: Perform complete screening of both humoral and cellular immunity 3
- Phagocytic Defect: Evaluate neutrophil count, morphology, and function 1
- Complement Deficiency: Measure CH50 and AH50 1
By following this comprehensive approach to testing and supporting immune function, you can better understand your immune status and take appropriate steps to maintain or improve your immune health.