Question 1

What is Immune Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Immune deficiency occurs when the immune system is weakened or unable to function properly, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. It is caused by genetic factors, medical conditions, medications, or the immune system's failure to produce protective antibodies after vaccination or infection. The Measles Antibody (IgG) test is the most important test for evaluating immune system function because it measures whether the body produces and maintains protective antibody levels.

Question 2

What causes immune deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Immune deficiency is caused by genetic disorders, chronic medical conditions like HIV or diabetes, certain medications including chemotherapy and corticosteroids, or the natural aging process. Some people are born with primary immune deficiency due to inherited genetic mutations that affect immune cell development, while others develop secondary immune deficiency later in life from infections, malnutrition, or immunosuppressive treatments. Additionally, conditions that damage the bone marrow or spleen can impair the production of white blood cells and antibodies needed to fight infections.

Question 3

What is the best test for immune deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The Measles Antibody (IgG) test is the most important test for immune deficiency because it measures whether your immune system produces and maintains protective antibody levels after vaccination or infection. A normally functioning immune system creates long-lasting IgG antibodies against measles, so low or absent levels suggest your body is not responding appropriately to immune challenges. The Mumps Virus Antibody (IgG) test provides additional evaluation of immune function by measuring antibody response to another common vaccine, helping to confirm whether the immune system maintains protective immunity over time. Together, these antibody tests reveal whether your immune system can mount and sustain the antibody responses essential for fighting infections.

Question 4

When should I get tested for immune deficiency?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience frequent infections such as recurrent pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, or unusual infections that healthy people rarely get. Consider testing if infections take longer than normal to clear up, require multiple rounds of antibiotics, or keep coming back despite treatment. You should also get tested if you have a family history of immune deficiency disorders, are taking immunosuppressive medications, or notice that vaccines do not seem to provide expected protection against diseases.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of immune deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of immune deficiency include frequent bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that occur more often than four to eight times per year. You might notice recurring respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, chronic sinus or ear infections, persistent diarrhea, slow-healing wounds, or skin infections and abscesses. Other signs include unexplained weight loss, frequent fevers, swollen lymph nodes, and infections that require intravenous antibiotics or hospitalization. Some people also experience autoimmune complications where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Question 6

Who is at risk for immune deficiency?

Accepted Answer

People at risk for immune deficiency include those with family members who have immune disorders, individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, and organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs. Older adults naturally experience declining immune function with age, while infants and young children may have underdeveloped immune systems. People with chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or malnutrition are also at higher risk, as are those taking long-term corticosteroids for conditions like asthma or rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 7

What happens if immune deficiency is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated immune deficiency leads to severe and potentially life-threatening complications including recurrent serious infections that can spread to the bloodstream causing sepsis, chronic lung damage from repeated respiratory infections, and increased risk of certain cancers. You may develop autoimmune disorders where your immune system attacks your own organs, experience failure to thrive with weight loss and malnutrition, or suffer organ damage from persistent infections. Without treatment, immune deficiency significantly reduces quality of life and life expectancy, as even common infections can become medical emergencies requiring hospitalization.

Question 8

Can immune deficiency be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, immune deficiency can be assessed with blood tests that measure antibody levels and immune cell counts. Antibody tests like the Measles Antibody (IgG) and Mumps Virus Antibody (IgG) evaluate whether your immune system produces protective antibodies after vaccination or infection, with low levels indicating poor immune response. Additional blood tests can measure immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM), white blood cell counts, and specific immune cell populations to identify different types of immune deficiency. While no single blood test diagnoses all forms of immune deficiency, these tests provide crucial information about immune system function.

Question 9

How is immune deficiency treated?

Accepted Answer

Immune deficiency is treated based on the underlying cause and severity, with options including immunoglobulin replacement therapy that provides antibodies intravenously or subcutaneously, prophylactic antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections, and antiviral or antifungal medications as needed. Some patients benefit from bone marrow or stem cell transplantation to rebuild the immune system, while others require treatment of the underlying condition causing secondary immune deficiency. Vaccination with appropriate vaccines helps boost immunity, and lifestyle modifications including good nutrition, adequate sleep, and avoiding sick contacts support immune function.

Question 10

How can I prevent immune deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of secondary immune deficiency involves maintaining overall health through a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. Practice good hygiene including frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick people to reduce infection risk. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption as both suppress immune function, and work with your doctor to manage chronic conditions like diabetes that can weaken immunity. Stay current with recommended vaccinations, and if you must take immunosuppressive medications, follow your healthcare provider's guidance for infection prevention strategies.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with immune deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches to support immune function include eating a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and foods high in zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Regular moderate exercise like walking or swimming strengthens immune response, while adequate sleep of seven to nine hours nightly allows the body to repair and regenerate immune cells. Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises helps since chronic stress suppresses immunity. Staying hydrated, avoiding processed foods and excess sugar, and incorporating immune-supporting herbs like elderberry or echinacea may provide additional support, though these should complement rather than replace medical treatment for diagnosed immune deficiency.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Immune Deficiency Blood Test

What is Immune Deficiency?

What causes immune deficiency?

What is the best test for immune deficiency?

When should I get tested for immune deficiency?

References

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