Understanding Lab Tests for Immunodeficiency Disorders
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions where the immune system is weakened or absent, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections, diseases, and cancer. These disorders can be present from birth (primary) or acquired later in life (secondary). Specialized blood tests are essential for diagnosing these conditions and assessing immune system function.
Top Recommended Test
Immune Cell Function
This comprehensive test directly evaluates how well immune cells are functioning. Immunodeficiency disorders occur when the immune system is not working properly, and this test can detect impaired immune cell function, making it a primary diagnostic tool for these conditions.
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How Blood Tests Diagnose Immunodeficiency Disorders
Unlike conditions diagnosed through physical examination, immunodeficiency disorders require specific laboratory testing to evaluate immune cell function, antibody production, and protein levels. These blood tests can detect abnormalities in various components of the immune system, helping healthcare providers identify the specific type and severity of immunodeficiency.
Other Relevant Tests
Lymphocyte Subset Panel 4 (CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile)
This test measures the ratio of CD4 to CD8 lymphocytes, which are crucial immune cells. Certain primary immunodeficiency disorders can cause abnormal CD4:CD8 ratios due to decreased CD4 cells or increased CD8 cells, providing valuable diagnostic information.
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Protein Electrophoresis and Total Protein, Random Urine
This test analyzes protein levels and types in the urine, which can reveal abnormalities associated with immunodeficiency disorders. These conditions often affect the body's ability to produce immunoglobulins and other proteins essential for fighting disease.
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Rubella Immune Status
When combined with other immune status tests, this can help identify immunodeficiency disorders. If multiple tests show lack of immunity to diseases that should normally be present after vaccination or exposure, it may indicate a problem with the immune system's ability to maintain protective immunity.
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Tetanus Antitoxoid
Very low levels of tetanus antibodies can potentially indicate an immunodeficiency disorder. This test helps assess the immune system's ability to produce and maintain protective antibodies against tetanus, which should normally be present after vaccination.
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Fibrinogen Antigen
This test uses nephelometry technology to measure immunoglobulins and antibodies in the blood. Abnormal results can indicate various types of immunodeficiency disorders by revealing problems with antibody production and immune protein levels.
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Understanding Your Test Results
Immunodeficiency disorder diagnosis often requires multiple blood tests to get a complete picture of immune system function. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results together, considering your medical history and symptoms to determine if an immunodeficiency disorder is present and what type it might be.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of immunodeficiency disorders.
