Central to the body’s ability to fight infection is the production of antibodies – proteins produced in response to a foreign organism or substance. Without adequate levels of antibodies, the body’s defence is lowered but high levels of antibodies can be indicative of autoimmune disease.

Immunology specialises in disorders of the immune system including autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE (lupus), Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease. It also performs tests to establish whether or not someone is immunodeficient. This can be inherited, the result of an infection or a disease, or produced as a side effect of drugs, such as those used to treat cancer.