24. Clinical and laboratory assessment of immunity

Area of Science:

• Clinical Immunology
• Laboratory Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Immunodeficiency disorders can be inherited (primary) or acquired (secondary).
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.
• Clinical evaluation and laboratory testing are essential for identifying immunodeficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the systematic approach to diagnosing immunodeficiency disorders.
• To highlight the role of laboratory testing in evaluating host defense mechanisms.
• To emphasize the clinical immunology laboratory's contribution to diagnosing immunodeficiencies.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing medical history and physical examination to guide testing.
• Employing a tiered testing strategy, from screening to sophisticated assays.
• Performing specific laboratory tests targeting antibody, T cell, phagocyte, and complement functions.

Main Results:

• A structured diagnostic pathway from initial screening to advanced testing.
• Identification of specific tests for evaluating the four basic host defense mechanisms.
• Demonstration of the clinical immunology laboratory as a key resource for immunodeficiency diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• The clinical immunology laboratory is indispensable for diagnosing immunodeficiencies.
• A systematic, tiered approach to testing ensures comprehensive evaluation.
• Laboratory data, guided by clinical assessment, is vital for establishing diagnoses.