What are immune evaluations?
Immune evaluations are tests performed by an immunologist that assess the functionality of your immune system, including determining the levels of various immune cells in the blood and analyzing your immune system’s ability to respond to certain outside factors.
Why do I need an immune evaluation?
If your immunologist has suggested an immune evaluation, you have most likely presented with symptoms consistent with certain immunodeficiencies, recurrent or chronic infections.
Primary immunodeficiency disorders, also called immune deficiency disorders, are conditions due to defects in the body’s immune system, allowing infections and other health problems to occur more easily. Many people that are born with immunodeficiency are born missing some of the body’s immune defenses or with the immune system not working properly, which leaves them more at risk.
Recurrent infections can occur as a result of immunodeficiency disorders. These infections most commonly include infections of the ears, sinuses, lungs, or skin, and if left untreated, can lead to severe illness and hospitalization. Finding the underlying cause can be helpful to know how to best treat and allow the patient to live a normal life.
How do immune evaluations work?
Your provider will perform a physical exam, review your medical history as well as your symptoms. Blood tests will be a key factor in helping diagnose why you are experiencing recurrent infections. It can reveal a specific immunodeficiency diagnosis.
During the immune evaluation, your immunologist will likely ask questions to help them better understand your condition. They may ask question such as:
- When did symptoms begin?
- Are your symptoms continuous or sporadic?
- How many infections have you had in the last year?
- How long do your infections last?
- Do antibiotics work well for treating the infection?
- Have you been hospitalized for or needed IV antibiotics to treat any infections?
- Is there family history of infection?
If you are determined to have an immunodeficiency or other condition following your evaluation, your provider may recommend certain treatments such as:
- Treating infections – some infections require rapid and aggressive treatment with antibiotics. This may require a longer course than prescribed depending on the infection.
- Preventing infections – long-term antibiotics can be a strategy to prevent respiratory infections and permanent damage to the lungs and ears.
- Immunoglobulin therapy – Immunoglobulin replacement therapy contains proteins that your immune system uses to fight infections (immunoglobulins and antibodies). Replenishing these back to a normal level can help prevent further infections. Immunoglobulin replacement can be done in the vein (IV) or under the skin (subcutaneous).
- Treating underlying causes – in some cases transplant or gene therapy is needed. These are targeted toward the specific immune defect.
If you are concerned that you may need an immune evaluation, call the Iowa Clinic Allergy department at 515.875.9450 or schedule an appointment online.
