Overview
Immunity is the capability of multicellular organisms to resist harmful microorganisms from entering their cells. Immunity involves both specific and nonspecific components.The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body against infection and maintain overall health.The human body is an optimal environment for pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to thrive. The immune system works to limit these microbes’ access to the body and prevent them from growing and causing illness.The nonspecific components act as barriers or eliminators of a wide range of pathogens irrespective of their antigenic make-up. Other components of the immune system adapt themselves to each new disease encountered and can generate pathogen-specific immunity.An immune system may contain innate and adaptive components. The innate system in mammalians, for example, primarily comprises primitive bone marrow cells that are programmed to recognize foreign substances and to react. The adaptive system is composed of more advanced lymphatic cells that are programmed to recognize self-substances and not to react. The reaction to foreign substances is etymologically described as inflammation, meaning to set on fire.
Immunity testing Types
Certain substances or pathogens (germs) in your body can be detected with the help of immunological techniques. The things that can be detected include viruses, hormones and the blood pigment hemoglobin. The tests take advantage of the body’s immune system: In order to fight germs or foreign substances, the immune system produces antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that can bind to a specific germ or substance, just like a key fits into a specific keyhole. They “catch” the germs or substances, neutralize them and attract other immune cells.
Laboratory tests : In laboratory tests, sensitive devices measure the amount of bound antibodies based on the extent of a light or color reaction. The greater the reaction, the more of the substance or germ is present. Laboratory tests take longer than rapid tests but they are also more accurate.
Rapid test :In rapid tests, the antibodies are usually found on paper strips (test strips), but sometimes glass is used too. Rapid tests are easy to use and provide instant results. But they are not as sensitive as laboratory tests and can't determine exactly how much of the substance or germ is present.
Use Of Immunity Test
Immunological tests are widely used. Their areas of application include:
Bowel cancer screening: This test looks for the blood pigment hemoglobin, a sign of blood in stool. Blood in stool can be caused by various things, such as hemorrhoids, polyps or even bowel cancer.
Allergy tests: to detect antibodies against allergy-triggering substances like grass pollen or certain foods.
Detecting germs causing an infection: If it is thought someone has bacterial tonsillitis or scarlet fever, the test looks for Streptococcus bacteria. In the case of Lyme disease following a tick bite, there are tests that can detect the Borrelia bacteria that cause it, and there are tests that can detect the antibodies to Borrelia bacteria. Immunological tests can also be used to detect viruses. Examples include hepatitis C, HIV or HPV viruses. Pregnant women can have a blood test to find out whether they are protected from (immune to) toxoplasmosis.
Diagnosing heart attacks and thrombosis: Shortly after a heart attack or if someone has thrombosis , higher levels of a certain protein are found in the blood. These can be detected using an immunological test.
Urine test: If sugar, blood, proteins or inflammatory cells are found in urine using this rapid test, it could be a sign of diabetes, a urinary tract infection or kidney damage.
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