Immunology (Tissue Typing)

What is the Immunology (Tissue Typing) Department and Which Diseases Does It Cover?

The immunology (tissue typing) department is a medical unit that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of immune system diseases. This department performs tissue typing procedures, especially to evaluate how the immune system will respond to tissue and organ transplants. Diseases related to the immune system include autoimmune diseases, allergies, immune deficiencies, and transplantation-related problems. For example, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are among the diseases this department deals with.

About the Department of Immunology (Tissue Typing)

The immunology (tissue typing) department is responsible for diagnosing various diseases and determining treatment methods by examining the immune systems of patients. This department is known for tissue typing tests performed to ensure compatibility between donors and recipients for successful organ and tissue transplants. It also diagnoses and treats conditions in which the immune system responds abnormally (such as autoimmune diseases).

Who is an Immunologist and What Are Their Duties?

An immunologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the immune system. Their duties include evaluating patients' immune systems, performing tissue typing tests, diagnosing autoimmune diseases and creating treatment plans. They also diagnose allergic reactions and immune deficiencies and determine appropriate treatments.

What Diseases Does Immunology (Tissue Typing) Cover?

The immunology (tissue typing) department plays a role in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases related to the immune system. Some of the important diseases covered by this department are as follows:

• Autoimmune Diseases: Diseases in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. These diseases include:
• Lupus: It is a chronic disease that affects many different organs of the body.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.
• Multiple Sclerosis: It is a disease that affects the central nervous system and disrupts nerve communication.
• Allergic Diseases: These are diseases that occur as a result of the immune system overreacting to harmless substances. These diseases include:
• Asthma: It is a chronic disease that causes narrowing of the airways and shortness of breath.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Nasal inflammation caused by allergens such as pollen, dust and animal hair.
• Food Allergies: Conditions that cause an excessive immune response to certain foods.
• Immunodeficiencies: Conditions in which the immune system is weaker than normal and vulnerable to infections. These diseases include:
• Primary Immunodeficiencies: These are diseases in which the immune system functions are genetically impaired.
• HIV/AIDS: Immune system deficiency caused by a virus.
• Complications of Organ and Tissue Transplantation: Problems that arise as a result of the immune system rejecting the transplanted organ or tissue. This section tries to increase the success of transplantation by evaluating tissue compatibility before and after transplantation.
• Cancer Immunology: A field that examines the immune system's responses to cancer cells and attempts to use these responses for treatment purposes. Immunotherapy methods in particular fall within this scope.

The immunology (tissue typing) department plays a critical role in the diagnosis, treatment and management of these diseases. By addressing a wide range of diseases, it aims to improve the quality of life of patients and enable them to live healthier lives.

What are Immunology (Tissue Typing) Examinations?

Immunology (tissue typing) exams include a variety of tests to evaluate patients' immune systems. These tests include blood tests, allergy tests, tissue typing tests, and autoantibody tests. Blood tests evaluate the number and function of immune system cells, while allergy tests measure the body's response to specific allergens. Tissue typing tests are used to determine donor and recipient compatibility in organ transplants.

What Methods Are Used in Immunology (Tissue Typing) Treatments?

Various methods are used in immunology (tissue typing) treatments. Immunosuppressive drugs, biological treatments and plasmapheresis are used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Antihistamines, corticosteroids and immunotherapy methods are used in the treatment of allergic diseases. Immunoglobulin therapy and stem cell transplantation can be used in the treatment of immune deficiencies. In organ transplants, immune system suppressing drugs are used to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ.

When Should You Go to the Immunology (Tissue Typing) Department?

Certain symptoms and conditions should be taken into consideration to go to the immunology (tissue typing) department. This department should be referred in cases such as persistent and recurrent infections, unexplained fever, skin rashes, joint pain and swelling, chronic fatigue, pre- and post-organ transplant evaluation. In addition, people with a family history of autoimmune diseases should also be evaluated in this department.

What is Done During an Immunology (Tissue Typing) Examination?

During the immunology (tissue typing) examination, the patient's medical history is taken in detail and a physical examination is performed. Then, any necessary laboratory tests are performed. These tests include blood tests, tissue typing tests, and allergy tests. Blood tests evaluate the number and function of immune system cells, while tissue typing tests are performed to determine donor and recipient compatibility for organ transplantation. In addition, specific tests may be performed according to the patient's complaints. According to the findings obtained as a result of the examination, an appropriate treatment plan is created and recommendations are made to the patient.