Understanding the Types and Functions of Antibody Tests

Antibodies are a type of small-sized protein that circulates in the bloodstream, and are included as part of the immune system. Antibodies have an important function for the body as a bulwark against various causes of disease. Antibodies are made by white blood cells in response to help the body fight bacteria, viruses, and poisons, and protect the body from various diseases and infections. Antibodies work specifically by sticking to antigens, which are foreign objects in the body that are suspected of being a threat by the body's defense system.

Recognizing the Type of Antibody

There are several types of antibodies, each of which has its own function, also known as immunoglobulin. The following are the types of antibodies:

• Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

IgA antibodies are the most common type of antibody found in the body, having a role in the emergence of allergic reactions. IgA is found in high concentrations in the mucous lining (mucous membranes) of the body, especially those lining the respiratory tract and digestive tract, as well as in saliva and tears. Examination for these antibodies can help doctors diagnose disorders of the kidneys, intestines and immune system.

• Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

IgE antibodies are found in the lungs, skin and mucous membranes. IgE also plays a role in allergic reactions. IgE examination is often the initial examination for allergies.

• Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

IgG antibodies are the most abundant type of antibodies in blood and other body fluids. These antibodies protect you from infection by "remembering" the germ that you have faced before. If the germs return, then your immune system will attack them.

• Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

Your body makes IgM antibodies when you are first infected with bacteria or other germs, as the body's first line of defense against infection. IgM levels will increase in a short time when an infection occurs, then slowly men. Therefore, the results of IgM examination with high values, indicating the presence of an infection that is still active.

IgA, IgG, and IgM are often measured together to give doctors important information about the functioning of the immune system, especially those related to infections or autoimmune diseases.

Conditions that require an antibody test

The benefits of antibody tests are to help diagnose the presence of infections in various organs of the body, especially infections of the respiratory tract and digestive organs, also to find out the existence of immune system disorders. In addition, an antibody test can also be done if you have the following symptoms:

• Skin rash
• Allergy
• Pain after traveling
• Diarrhea that never goes away
• Weight loss without cause
• Fever that is not found the cause
• HIV / AIDS

The antibody test also has other benefits, such as to diagnose myeloma, a condition in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, so the antibody count is abnormal. Antibody tests can help diagnose certain types of cancer, and can be used to detect certain diseases in pregnancy, such as TORCH examination, so that prevention and treatment can be done. Antibodies are an important factor in the body's immune system. Ask your doctor for recommendations on antibody testing, if you frequently experience infections or other health problems related to body immunity.