The Pathogen Associated Immunity Reactivity SCREEN

The Pathogen Associated Immunity Reactivity screen

Our bodies are constantly under threat from various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. To protect us from these invaders, our immune system works tirelessly, recognizing and neutralizing them.

Chronic infections can be caused by various pathogens, including viruses (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B and C), bacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis causing tuberculosis), and parasites (e.g., Plasmodium causing malaria). These infections can persist in the body for extended periods, sometimes for a lifetime, and may lead to chronic diseases.

To better understand and manage these processes, naturopathic doctors run specialized immune tests such as the Pathogen Associated Immunity Reactivity Screen.

Pathogen Associated Immunity Reactivity Screen (PAIRS):

The Pathogen Associated Immunity Reactivity Screen (PAIRS) is a functional test that helps us determine if you have been exposed to pathogens particularly ones that cause chronic illness. Pathogens are tiny organisms, like bacteria and viruses, that can make us sick. This test examines whether our immune system has recognized and reacted to these stealth pathogens. The PAIRS test involves collecting a small blood sample, which is then analyzed in a laboratory. The results provide valuable information about your immune system’s reactivity to different chronic pathogens, helping healthcare professionals assess your overall immune health.

How is the test performed?

To book this test, patients must first schedule an initial consultation with a naturopathic doctor. If the test is necessary, the doctor will recommend it.

Sample Collection

A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from your arm. The healthcare professional will first clean the area of your arm with alcohol. They will then place a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the veins more prominent. Next, they will insert the needle into a vein and draw the blood.

Laboratory Analysis

The collected blood sample is sent to a specialized laboratory where scientists analyze it. They look at how your immune system reacts to a varietyof pathogens by examining the levels of specific antibodies. Scientists at the laboratory will use a variety of methods to examine the sample.

Antibodies

Antibodies are like the body’s defense force. They are proteins created by your immune system to target and neutralize specific chronic pathogens. When you’re exposed to a chronic pathogen, your body produces antibodies tailored to fight that particular invader.

Interpretation

The test results reveal the types and levels of antibodies present in your blood. By comparing these results to a database of known pathogens, healthcare professionals can determine which chronic pathogens your immune system has encountered in the past and how well it responded to them.

What information does the PAIRS test provide?

The PAIRS test is a blood test that measures your immune response to a wide range of pathogens. It can provide valuable information about your immune system's history and performance, including:

Pathogen exposure: Which chronic pathogens you've been exposed to in the past.

Immune memory: Whether your immune system has developed memory for specific pathogens.

Reactivity levels: The strength of your immune response to different pathogens.

Autoimmune risk: Whether you are at increased risk for autoimmune diseases.

Allergies and sensitivities: Which allergens and sensitivities you have.

applications of the PAIRS test

  1. Diagnosing Autoimmune Diseases: PAIRS can assist in the early diagnosis of autoimmune diseases by identifying abnormal immune responses and antibody levels.

  2. Monitoring Immune Health: For individuals with immune system disorders or compromised immunity (such as those with HIV), PAIRS can help monitor their immune health over time.

  3. Tailoring Treatment Plans: Understanding a patient's immune reactivity can aid in tailoring treatment plans for infections, autoimmune disorders, and allergies.

  4. Allergy Testing: PAIRS can be used to identify specific allergens and sensitivities, guiding allergen avoidance strategies and allergy management.

  5. Vaccine Response Assessment: It can help evaluate how well a person’s immune system responds to vaccines, providing insights into vaccine effectiveness.

To book this test, and to see if this test is right for you, please first book a naturopathic consult with the naturopathic doctor

The Pathogen Associated Immunity Reactivity Screen offers several benefits:

  1. Early Detection: PAIRS can detect immune system irregularities before symptoms of the disease appear, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes.

  2. Personalized Medicine: Results from the test enable healthcare providers to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to an individual’s immune profile.

  3. Improved Allergy Management: It helps pinpoint allergens, enabling more effective allergy management and avoidance strategies.

  4. Vaccine Optimization: PAIRS can contribute to the development and optimization of vaccines by identifying the most effective antigens and formulations.

However, it is important to note that while PAIRS is a valuable tool, it is not a standalone diagnostic test. Healthcare providers typically use it in conjunction with other clinical assessments to form a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health.

Benefits and Considerations

References:

Conclusion

The Pathogen Associated Immunity Reactivity Screen (PAIRS) is a powerful tool that helps us map our immune system’s responses to chronic pathogens. By analyzing blood samples and assessing immune reactivity, PAIRS provides valuable insights into our immune health, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and immune system disorders.

Understanding how our immune system functions is crucial for maintaining good health. PAIRS is just one of the many tools utilized by naturopathic doctors, but it plays a vital role in personalized medicine, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans to each individual’s unique immune profile. As our knowledge of the immune system continues to advance, tests like PAIRS will become increasingly important in managing and safeguarding our health