Question 1

What is Immunosuppression?

Accepted Answer

Immunosuppression is a weakened or reduced immune system function that decreases the body's ability to fight infections and diseases. It is caused by medications like corticosteroids and chemotherapy, diseases like HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, or cancer treatments. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test is the most important test for diagnosing immunosuppression because it measures cell-mediated immune response and includes a mitogen control that assesses overall immune capacity.

Question 2

What causes immunosuppression?

Accepted Answer

Immunosuppression is caused by medications like corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs, diseases such as HIV/AIDS and certain cancers, malnutrition, and medical treatments including radiation therapy and organ transplant medications. Corticosteroids suppress immune cell activity, while chemotherapy destroys rapidly dividing cells including immune cells. HIV/AIDS directly attacks CD4 T-cells, the coordinators of immune defense, progressively weakening your body's ability to fight infections. Malnutrition deprives your immune system of essential nutrients like protein, zinc, and vitamins needed to produce antibodies and immune cells.

Question 3

What is the best test for immunosuppression?

Accepted Answer

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test is the most important test for immunosuppression because it directly measures cell-mediated immune response, the frontline defense against infections. This test includes a mitogen control that specifically assesses your body's overall immune response capacity by stimulating immune cells and measuring their ability to produce interferon-gamma. Low responses indicate weakened immunity from conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, malnutrition, or immunosuppressive medications. The Measles Antibody (IgG) test is also essential as it measures protective antibodies, and low or absent levels signal compromised immune status and increased vulnerability to severe infections.

Question 4

When should I get tested for immunosuppression?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are taking immunosuppressive medications like corticosteroids or chemotherapy, have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or cancer, experience frequent or severe infections that take longer to heal, are preparing for organ transplantation, or have unexplained fatigue and recurrent illnesses. Testing is especially important before starting immunosuppressive therapy to establish a baseline or if you notice infections becoming more common or difficult to clear. Early detection allows your healthcare provider to monitor your immune status and take preventive measures against serious complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of immunosuppression?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of immunosuppression include frequent infections such as colds, flu, or urinary tract infections, slow-healing wounds or sores, recurring yeast infections or thrush, persistent fatigue and weakness, frequent fever or chills, swollen lymph nodes, and severe infections from organisms that typically do not cause illness in healthy people. You might notice that minor cuts take weeks to heal, or you catch every illness circulating at work or school. Some people experience skin infections, unusual rashes, or digestive problems like chronic diarrhea due to weakened immune defenses.

Question 6

Who is at risk for immunosuppression?

Accepted Answer

People at risk for immunosuppression include those taking immunosuppressive medications for autoimmune diseases or organ transplants, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy, individuals with HIV/AIDS, people with malnutrition or eating disorders, older adults with naturally declining immune function, those with chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease, and anyone on long-term corticosteroid therapy for conditions like asthma or rheumatoid arthritis. Healthcare workers, caregivers, and people living with immunocompromised individuals should also be aware of the risks and take protective measures.

Question 7

What happens if immunosuppression is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If immunosuppression is left untreated, you face increased risk of severe and life-threatening infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that your body normally fights off easily. These opportunistic infections can affect vital organs including the lungs, brain, and digestive system, leading to pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. You also have higher risk of developing certain cancers, particularly lymphomas and skin cancers, because your immune system cannot detect and destroy abnormal cells effectively. Chronic infections can cause permanent organ damage, and without proper monitoring and preventive treatments, minor illnesses can quickly escalate into medical emergencies requiring hospitalization.

Question 8

Can immunosuppression be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, immunosuppression can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure different components of immune function. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test evaluates cell-mediated immunity by measuring how your T-cells respond to stimulation, while antibody tests like the Measles Antibody (IgG) assess your body's ability to produce protective antibodies. Additional blood tests may include complete blood count with differential to measure white blood cell levels, immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) to evaluate antibody production, and lymphocyte subset panels to count specific immune cell types like CD4 and CD8 T-cells. These tests provide a comprehensive picture of your immune system health and help identify specific areas of weakness.

Question 9

How is immunosuppression treated?

Accepted Answer

Immunosuppression treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and preventing infections. If medications are causing immunosuppression, your doctor may adjust dosages or switch to alternative therapies. For HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral therapy restores immune function by controlling viral load. Patients receive preventive antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals to protect against common infections, and vaccinations are carefully timed when immune function is strongest. Nutritional support with high-protein diets and vitamin supplementation helps rebuild immune cells. In severe cases, treatments may include immunoglobulin replacement therapy to boost antibody levels or growth factors to stimulate white blood cell production. Regular monitoring with blood tests ensures treatment effectiveness.

Question 10

How can I prevent immunosuppression?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent or minimize immunosuppression by maintaining good nutrition with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for immune cell production, avoiding unnecessary medications that suppress immunity, practicing excellent hand hygiene and infection control measures, getting appropriate vaccinations before immune function declines, managing chronic diseases effectively, avoiding exposure to people with contagious illnesses, and working closely with your healthcare provider to monitor immune status if you have risk factors. If you must take immunosuppressive medications, take them exactly as prescribed and attend regular checkups. Lifestyle factors like adequate sleep, stress management, regular moderate exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol also support immune health.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with immunosuppression?

Accepted Answer

While natural remedies cannot replace medical treatment for immunosuppression, certain approaches may support immune health alongside conventional care. Eating a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, and selenium needed for immune function. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir support gut health, where much of immunity originates. Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep, managing stress through meditation or yoga, and maintaining moderate physical activity help optimize immune response. Herbal supplements like elderberry, echinacea, and medicinal mushrooms show immune-supporting properties, but always consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements, especially if you are on immunosuppressive medications, as some can interact dangerously or work against your treatment.

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.

Immunosuppression Blood Test

What is Immunosuppression?

What causes immunosuppression?

What is the best test for immunosuppression?

When should I get tested for immunosuppression?

References

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