Guest guest Posted October 19, 2000 Report Share Posted October 19, 2000 Antibody titer Why The Test Is Performed The antibody level in the blood is a reflection of the body's past experience or exposure to an antigen, or something that the body does not recognize as self. Every living cell has different protein markers on its surface called antigens, and the body's immune system identifies those cells that are not part of its structure by those surface proteins.Occasionally, the body makes an error and begins to recognize its own tissue as being non-self, or foreign. This leads to a mounting immune response against that tissue type, cell, or substance that is part of the body. The body uses antibodies to attack the foreign matter, or the self matter that it recognizes as self.Levels of antibodies in the blood are measured with this test, and indicate that the body has come into contact with a particular antigen, or that the body's immune system has reverted, and recognizes it's own matter as foreign. This would be evident if there was a titer of antibodies against the bodies own tissue which is the case with some types of diabetes mellitus, SLE, and other autoimmune disorders. Normal Values This depends of the antibody being tested. If your health care provider is testing for antibodies against your own tissue, then the normal value would be zero. What Abnormal Results Mean If your health care provider is testing for antibodies against your own tissue, abnormal results would show a positive antibody titer. This means that your immune system is fighting its own tissue, cells, or substances. submitted by: Andi/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.