Specimen Collection and Processing

• Blood Samples: Primarily used for immunological tests. Collected in tubes with appropriate anticoagulants.
• Tissue Biopsies: Used for histological examination and flow cytometry.
• Body Fluids: Such as cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and synovial fluid for specific tests.

Serology

• Antibody Testing: Measures specific antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE) to identify infections, autoimmune diseases, and allergies.
• Complement System Analysis: Assesses the activity of the complement system, a part of the immune response.

Cellular Immunology

• Flow Cytometry: Analyzes the characteristics of immune cells (e.g., T cells, B cells, NK cells) by labeling with specific antibodies.
• Lymphocyte Proliferation Tests: Measures the ability of lymphocytes to proliferate in response to specific stimuli.

Autoimmune Disease Testing

• Autoantibody Panels: Detects antibodies directed against self-antigens, common in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test: Screens for antibodies that attack cell nuclei, indicative of systemic autoimmune diseases.

Allergy Testing

• IgE Testing: Measures specific IgE antibodies against various allergens (e.g., pollen, foods, dust mites).
• Skin Prick Tests: Determines allergic sensitivities by introducing small amounts of allergens into the skin.

Cytokine and Chemokine Analysis

• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Quantifies cytokines and chemokines in serum or plasma to evaluate immune responses.
• Multiplex Assays: Simultaneously measures multiple cytokines/chemokines in a single sample.

Immunophenotyping

• Characterization of Immune Cells: Determines the types and states of immune cells in diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and HIV.