Allergy & Immunology Tests
Hi-Tech Medical Laboratory offers a comprehensive range of allergy and immunology tests to help diagnose allergic reactions, immune system disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Our advanced testing methods ensure accurate and reliable results for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Allergy Panels
Allergy tests help identify specific substances (allergens) that trigger allergic reactions in your body. These tests measure the presence of allergen-specific antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood.
Common Allergy Panels:
- Food Allergy Panel: Tests for allergies to common food allergens such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy
- Inhalant Allergy Panel: Tests for allergies to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander
- Insect Venom Panel: Tests for allergies to insect venoms such as bee, wasp, hornet, and fire ant
- Drug Allergy Panel: Tests for allergies to common medications such as penicillin, sulfonamides, and local anesthetics
- Regional Allergy Panel: Tests for allergies to allergens common in the local region
Sample Type: Serum
Turnaround Time: 3-5 days
Fasting Required: No
Immunoglobulin Tests
Immunoglobulin tests measure the levels of antibodies (immunoglobulins) in your blood. These tests help diagnose various immune system disorders, including immunodeficiency disorders, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Tests Available:
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG): The most abundant antibody in blood, provides long-term protection against infections
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA): Found in mucous membranes, protects against infections in the respiratory and digestive tracts
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM): The first antibody produced in response to an infection
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE): Associated with allergic reactions and parasitic infections
- Immunoglobulin D (IgD): Found in small amounts in blood, its function is not fully understood
- Immunoglobulin G Subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4): Helps diagnose specific immunodeficiency disorders
Sample Type: Serum
Turnaround Time: 2-3 days
Fasting Required: No
Autoimmune Antibody Tests
Autoimmune antibody tests detect antibodies that target the body's own tissues (autoantibodies). These tests help diagnose autoimmune disorders, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues.
Common Autoimmune Antibody Tests:
- Antinuclear Antibody (ANA): A screening test for various autoimmune disorders
- Anti-dsDNA: Specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Anti-Sm: Specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Anti-Ro (SSA) and Anti-La (SSB): Associated with Sjögren's syndrome and SLE
- Anti-Scl-70: Associated with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
- Anti-Jo-1: Associated with polymyositis and dermatomyositis
- Anti-CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide): Specific for rheumatoid arthritis
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF): Associated with rheumatoid arthritis
- Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg: Associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases
Sample Type: Serum
Turnaround Time: 3-7 days
Fasting Required: No
Complement Tests
Complement tests measure the levels and function of complement proteins, which are part of the immune system. These tests help diagnose and monitor immune disorders, especially those involving complement deficiency or excessive activation.
Tests Available:
- C3 Complement: The most abundant complement protein
- C4 Complement: Another major complement protein
- CH50 (Total Hemolytic Complement): Measures the function of the classical complement pathway
- AH50 (Alternative Pathway Hemolytic Complement): Measures the function of the alternative complement pathway
- Individual Complement Components (C1q, C2, C5, etc.): Helps diagnose specific complement deficiencies
Sample Type: Serum
Turnaround Time: 2-5 days
Special Instructions: Sample must be handled carefully to preserve complement activity
Food Sensitivity Tests
Food sensitivity tests measure immune responses to various foods that may cause non-allergic adverse reactions. Unlike food allergies (which involve IgE antibodies), food sensitivities often involve IgG antibodies or other immune mechanisms.
Tests Available:
- Food IgG Antibody Test: Measures IgG antibodies to various foods
- Food Intolerance Test: Measures various immune responses to foods
- Celiac Disease Panel: Tests for antibodies associated with celiac disease (anti-tissue transglutaminase, anti-endomysial, anti-gliadin)
- Lactose Intolerance Test: Measures the ability to digest lactose
Sample Type: Serum
Turnaround Time: 7-10 days
Fasting Required: No
Note: Food sensitivity testing is considered complementary and should be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms
Immune Function Tests
Immune function tests evaluate how well your immune system is working. These tests help diagnose immunodeficiency disorders, in which the immune system is weakened and unable to fight infections effectively.
Tests Available:
- Complete Blood Count with Differential: Counts different types of white blood cells
- Lymphocyte Subset Panel: Measures different types of lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, NK cells)
- CD4/CD8 Ratio: Important for monitoring HIV/AIDS and other immune disorders
- Neutrophil Function Tests: Evaluates the function of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell
- Lymphocyte Proliferation Tests: Measures the ability of lymphocytes to multiply in response to stimuli
- Cytokine Assays: Measures the levels of cytokines, which are signaling molecules of the immune system
Sample Type: Whole Blood
Turnaround Time: 3-7 days
Special Instructions: Sample must be processed promptly
Specialized Immunology Tests
HLA Typing
Tests for human leukocyte antigens, important for transplantation
Vaccine Response Testing
Measures antibody response to vaccines
Mast Cell Activation Tests
Helps diagnose mast cell activation disorders
Cytokine Profiles
Measures levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines
Immunophenotyping
Identifies and counts different types of immune cells
Autoimmune Disease Panels
Comprehensive panels for specific autoimmune diseases
Test Information
When to Get Tested
- Allergic Symptoms: If you experience symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing after exposure to certain substances.
- Recurrent Infections: If you have frequent or severe infections, which may indicate an immune deficiency.
- Autoimmune Symptoms: If you have symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, rash, or organ dysfunction that may suggest an autoimmune disorder.
- Food Reactions: If you experience adverse reactions to certain foods, such as digestive issues, headaches, or skin problems.
- Family History: If you have a family history of allergies, autoimmune diseases, or immune deficiencies.
After Your Test
- Results: Turnaround time varies depending on the test, from a few days to a week or more.
- Interpretation: Our doctors will help you understand your test results and their implications for your health.
- Treatment: Based on your results, appropriate treatment options will be discussed, which may include medications, allergen avoidance, immunotherapy, or dietary changes.
- Follow-up: Depending on the results, follow-up tests or consultations may be recommended.
- Referral: In some cases, referral to a specialist such as an allergist, immunologist, or rheumatologist may be necessary.