Question 1

What is Primary Immunodeficiency Disease?

Accepted Answer

Primary immunodeficiency disease is a group of rare genetic disorders where part of the immune system is missing or does not work properly. It is caused by inherited genetic mutations that affect antibody production, T-cell function, or other immune system components. The Measles Antibody IgG test is the most important screening test for diagnosis because it reveals whether your immune system can produce protective antibodies after vaccination or infection.

Question 2

What causes primary immunodeficiency disease?

Accepted Answer

Primary immunodeficiency disease is caused by inherited genetic mutations that affect how your immune system develops and functions. These genetic defects can impair antibody production by B-cells, disrupt T-cell function, or damage other critical immune system components like the complement system or phagocytes. Unlike secondary immunodeficiency which develops from external factors like medications or infections, primary immunodeficiency is present from birth and affects your body's natural ability to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens throughout your life.

Question 3

What is the best test for primary immunodeficiency disease?

Accepted Answer

The Measles Antibody IgG test is the most important screening test for primary immunodeficiency disease because it reveals whether your immune system can produce and maintain protective antibodies. After measles vaccination or infection, healthy immune systems create IgG antibodies that remain detectable for years. Low or absent measles antibodies despite vaccination indicates a B-cell defect or antibody production problem, which are hallmark features of many primary immunodeficiencies. This simple blood test provides critical information about your immune system's functional capacity and helps doctors determine if more comprehensive immunology testing is needed.

Question 4

When should I get tested for primary immunodeficiency disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience frequent infections that require antibiotics more than four times per year, recurrent sinus or ear infections, pneumonia occurring twice or more within a year, or infections that do not respond to typical treatments. Other warning signs include poor growth or weight gain in children, chronic diarrhea, frequent mouth sores or skin abscesses, and a family history of immune system disorders or unexplained infant deaths. Early testing is crucial because identifying primary immunodeficiency early allows for treatments like immunoglobulin replacement therapy that can prevent life-threatening infections.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of primary immunodeficiency disease?

Accepted Answer

Primary immunodeficiency symptoms include frequent respiratory infections like bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia that keep coming back despite treatment. You might notice chronic ear infections, repeated skin infections or abscesses, persistent thrush in the mouth or throat, and digestive problems including chronic diarrhea and poor nutrient absorption. Many people with primary immunodeficiency also experience autoimmune complications where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing joint pain, skin rashes, or blood disorders. Children may show delayed growth and development compared to their peers.

Question 6

Who is at risk for primary immunodeficiency disease?

Accepted Answer

Primary immunodeficiency disease affects people with inherited genetic mutations, so family history is the strongest risk factor. Males are at higher risk for X-linked immunodeficiencies like X-linked agammaglobulinemia and chronic granulomatous disease, which are passed through mothers to sons. Children born to parents who are related by blood have increased risk due to higher chances of inheriting two copies of defective genes. While most cases are diagnosed in childhood, some milder forms of primary immunodeficiency may not be recognized until adolescence or adulthood when infection patterns become concerning.

Question 7

What happens if primary immunodeficiency disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated primary immunodeficiency disease leads to severe, recurrent infections that can cause permanent organ damage, particularly to the lungs, sinuses, and digestive system. Repeated respiratory infections result in chronic lung disease called bronchiectasis, where airways become scarred and damaged beyond repair. Life-threatening bloodstream infections and meningitis become increasingly likely without proper treatment. Many people develop autoimmune complications and inflammatory bowel disease, while some forms increase cancer risk, especially lymphomas. Without immunoglobulin replacement therapy and preventive antibiotics, primary immunodeficiency significantly shortens life expectancy and severely impacts quality of life.

Question 8

Can primary immunodeficiency disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential for diagnosing primary immunodeficiency disease and often provide the first evidence of immune system dysfunction. The Measles Antibody IgG test screens for antibody production problems, while comprehensive immunoglobulin panels measure levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE antibodies in your blood. Complete blood counts reveal abnormalities in white blood cell numbers and types, and specialized tests evaluate T-cell and B-cell function. Additional blood tests assess complement system proteins and specific antibody responses to vaccines like tetanus and pneumococcal vaccines, creating a complete picture of immune system health.

Question 9

How is primary immunodeficiency disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Primary immunodeficiency disease is treated primarily with immunoglobulin replacement therapy, which provides antibodies from healthy donors through intravenous infusions every 3-4 weeks or weekly subcutaneous injections at home. Preventive antibiotics help reduce infection frequency, while antifungal and antiviral medications prevent opportunistic infections. Some patients benefit from interferon-gamma therapy to boost immune cell function, and growth factors like G-CSF can increase white blood cell production. In severe cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can cure certain types of primary immunodeficiency by replacing the defective immune system with healthy donor cells.

Question 10

How can I prevent complications from primary immunodeficiency disease?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent complications by staying current with immunoglobulin replacement therapy and taking prescribed preventive antibiotics consistently. Avoid live vaccines like MMR and varicella if you have severe T-cell defects, as they can cause serious infections. Practice strict hand hygiene, avoid close contact with sick people, and stay away from crowded places during cold and flu season. Maintain good nutrition to support overall health, get adequate sleep, and seek medical attention immediately at the first sign of infection. Regular follow-ups with an immunologist ensure your treatment plan remains effective and catches problems early.

Question 11

What can I do at home for primary immunodeficiency disease?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can support your immune system by eating a nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals to help your body fight infections. Keep your living environment clean and avoid exposure to mold, which can cause serious lung infections. Use a humidifier to keep airways moist and perform daily airway clearance techniques if you have chronic lung involvement. Track your symptoms and infection frequency in a journal to share with your immunologist, helping optimize treatment. Stay physically active within your limitations to maintain overall health, and connect with support groups where you can share experiences and coping strategies with others who understand the challenges of living with primary immunodeficiency.

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.

Primary Immunodeficiency Blood Test

What is Primary Immunodeficiency Disease?

What causes primary immunodeficiency disease?

What is the best test for primary immunodeficiency disease?

When should I get tested for primary immunodeficiency disease?

References

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