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The human body is remarkable in its ability to protect itself against disease.
The immune system works well to fend off infectious organisms like viruses and bacteria. Sometimes, however, the cells that guard the body from infection don't function properly.
In people with autoimmune disease, the immune cells secrete large quantities of antibodies that attack the body's own tissues. This can lead to organ failure.
If your doctor suspects that you may have a particular type of infection or an abnormal immune response, he or she may send a blood specimen to the immunopathology lab for testing.
The immunopathology specialists in our group are highly experienced in characterizing the types of immune-related proteins in patient samples.
They provide this information to your doctor so that he or she can devise the most effective treatment plan.
Learn more about immunopathology from the Department of Pathology.
If you're waiting for test results or have a question for your doctor, sign in to UPMC HealthTrak. HealthTrak is a secure, interactive tool that lets you manage your health online.
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