Advanced clinical testing of the adaptive immune system

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), although rare, collectively occur in as many as 1 of 2,000 live births and can result in recurrent and/or severe infections, autoimmunity, or autoinflammation.1 Immunodeficiencies often present with overlapping signs and symptoms, making knowledge and application of available laboratory investigations critical to confirm a diagnosis or for direct additional testing. This article explores the indications, methodology, and interpretation of clinically available tests used in the evaluation of T and B cell number and function and provides an approach to using and understanding the tests performed by immunologists once a clinical suspicion of T and B cell immunodeficiencies exists (Fig 1 and Table 1).

http://ift.tt/2riJYpW