Neopterin, Serum

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The Neopterin, Serum test contains 1 test.

Neopterin, Serum Test Description

Test Overview: The Neopterin, Serum test quantifies the concentration of neopterin, a molecule produced by macrophages, in the blood serum. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that gets activated when the body's immune system responds to certain challenges, including infections, malignancies, or immune-mediated diseases.

Why is the test used?

  1. Immune System Activation: Neopterin serves as a marker for immune system activation, especially in response to certain diseases or conditions.

  2. Infectious Diseases: Increased serum neopterin levels can indicate the presence of viral infections like HIV or certain bacterial and parasitic infections.

  3. Autoimmune Disorders: Elevated levels of neopterin are seen in some autoimmune disorders, signaling heightened immune activity.

  4. Malignancies: Some cancers can lead to an increase in serum neopterin levels due to the immune response they trigger.

  5. Organ Transplant Rejection: Elevated neopterin can be an early indicator of transplant rejection, as the body's immune system reacts to the foreign organ.

  6. Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: For patients undergoing treatments that modulate the immune system, tracking neopterin levels can help assess the treatment's effectiveness.

How is the test used? The Neopterin, Serum test is utilized as a non-specific marker to indicate the activation of the body's immune system. When used in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests, the neopterin level can provide valuable diagnostic and prognostic information.

What does the test detect and monitor?

  1. Detect: Elevated neopterin levels can signal various conditions ranging from infections and cancers to autoimmune disorders. It can also detect an activated immune response in patients following organ transplants.

  2. Monitor: The test can be used to monitor the progression of diseases like HIV or the effectiveness of treatments that modulate the immune system. Declining levels might indicate a favorable response to treatment, while increasing levels could suggest disease progression or a less effective treatment regimen.

In summary, the Neopterin, Serum test is an essential tool for assessing immune system activation, offering insights into a range of conditions from infectious diseases to autoimmune disorders. It provides both diagnostic and prognostic value, aiding clinicians in making informed treatment decisions.

Reference Range(s)

Adults<2.5 ng/mL

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