IgE has an essential role in type I hypersensitivity, which manifests various allergic diseases, such as allergic asthma, most types of sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, food allergies and specific types of chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis. IgE also plays a pivotal role in responses to allergens, such as: anaphylactic drugs, bee stings and antigen preparations used in desensitization immunotherapy.
A tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA and/or IgG test is used as part of an evaluation for certain autoimmune conditions, most notably coeliac disease. Coeliac disease tests are used to screen for and help diagnose coeliac disease and a few other gluten-sensitive conditions (such as dermatitis herpetiformis, a condition that causes an itchy, burning, blistering rash on the skin).
Full blood count determines general health status. It is used as a screen for a variety of disorders, such as anaemia and infection, inflammation, nutritional status and exposure to toxic substances.
ESR is the rate at which red blood cells sediment in a period of one hour. It is a common haematology test, and is a non-specific measure of inflammation. The ESR is increased in inflammation, pregnancy, anaemia, autoimmune disorders, infections, some kidney diseases and some cancers. The ESR is decreased in polycythaemia, hyperviscosity, sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, low plasma protein (due to liver or kidney disease) and congestive heart failure. The basal ESR is slightly higher in females.
CRP is a marker of infection and inflammation, which can alert medical professionals that further testing and treatment may be necessary. High sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is another marker related to risk factor evaluation of ischaemic heart disease.
Folate is essential for the body to make DNA, RNA, and metabolise amino acids which are required for cell division. Humans cannot make folates and therefore it is required from the diet.
Not enough folate can lead to folate deficiency. This may result in a type of anaemia where there is a low number of large red blood cells. Symptoms may include feeling tired, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, open sores on the tongue, and changes in the colour of the skin or hair. Low levels in early pregnancy are believed to be the cause of more than half of cases of neural tube defects in babies. Folate has also been implicated in several other conditions including cancer, heart disease and strokes, fertility, physiological problems and many others.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that has a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and the formation of red blood cells. It is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body, especially affecting DNA synthesis, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism.