Role of the clinical immunology (veterinary) laboratory in determination of immunoglobulin abnormalities.

The focus of this discussion was to review selected immunologic techniques that can be helpful in characterizing immunoglobulin abnormalities. These methods are excellent tools to examine either subtle or drastic alterations in immunoglobulin production that may have arisen from modulation of the immune system with chemicals or selected drugs. It is important to stress that the immune abnormalities described and the methods used to evaluate these disorders do not separate the human and animal patient. In fact, some of the immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders outlined occur with striking similarity in both hosts. Therefore, expanding and improving the benefits of clinical immunology can provide better diagnosis and management of immunologic mediated disorders in both species.