ArminLabs offers a comprehensive array of tests to help diagnose infections accurately. They incorporate cutting-edge technology and methods to ensure reliable and fast results.
Elispot
EliSpot, also known as T-Spot, is a technology used to evaluate the functional immune response of T cells to specific antigens (IFN-γ secretion) through enzyme-linked immunospot assays.
At ArminLabs, EliSpot technology is applied to detect and monitor a wide range of infections. Owing to its broad applicability and its precision in capturing cellular immune activity, EliSpot can play a key role in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. Read more…
- The EliSpot is between 20 and 200 times more sensitive than a conventional ELISA.
- The EliSpot displays a similar sensitivity as a RT-PCR (Real Time PCR) analysis, but detects the secreted protein instead of the DNA
- The EliSpot can be helpful when monitoring therapies. The EliSpot should usually become negative about 4 to 8 weeks after the completion of an effective therapy.
What can be tested with the EliSpot?
Borrelia burgdorferi | Anaplasma & Ehrlichia | Chlamydia pneumoniae | Chlamydia trachomatis | Yersinia enterocolitica| Babesia | Bartonella | Rickettsia | Mycoplasma | Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) | Cytomegalovirus (CMV)| Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) | Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) | HHV-6 | HHV-7 | Candida albicans | Aspergillus.
iSpot
T-cell immunity with the iSpot assay
The iSpot is a two-color enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay that detects individual T cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-2 in response to antigen stimulation. After exposing patient T cells to specific antigens, secreted cytokines bind to capture antibodies, and subsequent detection steps visualize the spots corresponding to single-reactive cells.
IFN-γ is taken as a marker of acute or active immune responses, whereas IL-2 is interpreted as representing memory T cell / longer-term immune function. The relative balance or correlation between IFN-γ and IL-2 responses allows differentiation between possible recent or ongoing infection and convalescent immunity. Read more…
CD-Cells-Immunity
The examination of the immune status using CD3+/CD56+/CD57+ and CD19+ cells.
Assessing the immune status is crucial, especially in cases of suspected viral, bacterial, or chronic infections as well as immunodeficiencies. These parameters offer insight into the functional state of both the cellular and humoral immune systems and support the evaluation of immune competence in various infectious and immunological conditions.
CD3⁺ T cells represent the major population of lymphocytes responsible for the regulation and coordination of immune responses. Deviations in T cell counts may occur in viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, as well as in immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or under immunosuppressive therapy.
CD56⁺ and CD57⁺ NK cells are essential components of the innate immune system, capable of eliminating infected or malignant cells. Alterations in NK cell numbers may reflect immune activation or suppression. Notably, reduced CD57⁺ NK cell counts have been reported in patients with chronic intracellular infections, such as Borrelia burgdorferi or Mycoplasma infections, and may serve as a prognostic marker for chronic Lyme disease, particularly in individuals with neurological manifestations.
CD19⁺ B cells are integral to the humoral immune response through antibody production. Variations in CD19⁺ B cell levels can indicate B-cell activation (e.g., during infection or autoimmune activity) or depletion (e.g., in immunodeficiency syndromes or during B-cell-targeted therapies).
This test is clinically relevant in the context of acute and chronic viral or bacterial infections, immunodeficiency states, and immune dysregulation. Persistent deviations in lymphocyte subset distribution can provide valuable information regarding the progression or resolution of infection and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
Additionally, the CD3-/CD57+/CD56+/CD45+ test or the Immune Profile (CD19/CD3-/CD57+/CD56+/CD45+ Cells) test may contribute to immune monitoring in patients with COVID-19 or other conditions that compromise immune function.
Serological Tests
SeraSpot, ELISA, IFT, Immunoblot, and immunoarray are established serological techniques for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. They work by identifying pathogen-specific antibodies or antigens in patient samples.
Antibody Classes and Their Meanings
IgM The body’s first response antibody to an infection. Elevated levels suggest a fresh, recent or active infection.
IgG The most abundant antibody, providing long-term immunity. Elevated levels usually indicate a past infection or immune memory.
IgA Found mainly in mucous membranes (respiratory, digestive, etc.). Reflects mucosal immune activity; may indicate local or ongoing immune responses.
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SeraSpot
The SeraSpot® MicroArray combines the standardised ELISA method with advanced microarray technology to detect specific antibodies. At ArminLabs, this technique enables highly precise and efficient antibody profiling. Nanoliter-scale antigen spots are applied to the bottom of microtiter plate wells, with built-in controls in each well ensuring accuracy and reliability across every test.
What is tested with the Seraspot?
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ELISA
The ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a standardised and widely used method for detecting and quantifying antibodies or antigens in a sample. ELISA technology serves as a reliable tool for identifying immune responses to infectious agents and other immune-related conditions.
What is tested with the ELISA?
Borrelia burgdorferi IgG, IgM (Standard ELISA | Tickplex Basic) | Candida albicans IgG, IgM, IgA | Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG, IgA | Chlamydia trachomatis IgG, IgA | Mycoplasma IgG, IgA | Toxoplasma IgG, IgM | Yersinia enterocolitica IgG, IgA | Vitamin D3 | Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG, IgM | Enterovirus IgG, IgA | Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG, IgM, IgA | Parvovirus B19 IgG, IgM | SARS-COV-2 IgG, IgA | Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) IgG, IgM | Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) IgG, IgM, IgA | Echinococcus multilocularis IgG | Entamoeba histolytica IgG | Leishmania IgG | Taenia solium IgG | Toxocara canis IgG | Trichinella spiralis IgG
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Immunofluorescence Test (IFT)
The Immunofluorescence Test is another serological method. In this procedure patient antibodies bind to specific antigens on slides and are visualised using fluorescent dyes.
What is tested with the IFT?
Anaplasma IgG, IgM | Ehrlichia IgG, IgM | Babesia IgG, IgM | Bartonella IgG | Rickettsia IgG | Coxsackievirus IgG, IgA | Echovirus IgG, IgM, IgA | HHV-6 virus IgG, IgM | HHV-7 virus IgG | HHV-8 virus IgG
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Immunoblot (Western Blot)
The immunoblot, also known as Western blot, is an advanced method for identifying proteins in biological samples. Proteins from an organism are separated and transferred to a membrane, then incubated with patient serum to detect specific antibodies (seen as bands). It has high specificity and is often used to confirm results from ELISA or other screening tests.
What can be tested with the Immunoblot?
Borrelia burgdorferi IgG, IgM | Campylobacter jejuni IgG, IgA
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Immunoarray
A modern, high-throughput assay that uses microarray technology to detect many antibodies or antigens simultaneously on a single platform. Highly efficient, quantitative, and customisable for multi-pathogen testing.
What can be tested with the Immunoarray?
- Borrelia burgdorferi
- Anaplasma
- Ehrlichia
- Bartonella
- Babesia
- Chl pneumoniae
- Chl trachomatis
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Yersinia enterocolitica
- Rickettsia
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Helicobacter pylori
- Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 (HSV 1& 2)
- Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Human Herpes Virus -6 (HHV-6)
- HHV-7
- HHV-8
- Coxsackievirus
- Echovirus
- Enterovirus
- Parvovirus B19
- Tickborne Encephalitis (TBE)
- SARS-CoV-2
- Mycotoxins
- Candida albicans
- Aspergillus
- Echinococcus
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Leishmania infantum
- Taenia solium
- Toxoplasma gondii
- Trichinella spiralis