An immunology lab provides an environment for immunology research and testing of patient samples with immune components, such as antibody assays. Labs may be run by private companies, government agencies, or academic institutions to provide a workspace for researchers and technicians. Typically a lab focuses on either research or routine testing, although these functions may be combined in some facilities; for example, an immunology lab at a teaching hospital may evaluate patient samples and offer space for doctors conducting research as part of their studies.
In research settings, people are interested in the role of the immune system in responses to disease, including abnormal responses like the development of allergies and autoimmune conditions. They study various components of the immune system, ranging from lymph nodes to specific antibodies. At a given lab, several research projects may be going on at once, although they often have a common link; for example, people might be studying the immunology of asthma and allergies because they are often connected.
At immunology labs, scientists can use a variety of lab equipment in testing and analysis. They may perform testing with cells in culture as well as lab animals, and also conduct statistical analysis of test results to develop information for publication. Teams of researchers can work for months or years on given tasks that may range from identifying a more sensitive assay for a specific protein to help with diagnosis to understanding how the body develops autoimmune reactions.
Testing facilities provide technicians and equipment for sample analysis. A doctor can send material to an immunology lab to test it for specific antibodies and antigens, along with other functional components of interest. This can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease; for example, the immunology lab results might indicate that a patient has an active inflammatory response that needs to be addressed. It can also be used for follow-up to monitor response to treatment.
Applicants to join a research immunology lab typically need at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions as technicians and support staff. Researchers and team leaders need doctorate and post-doctorate qualifications in many cases. At a testing facility, technical or trade school certifications can be sufficient for some positions, although a bachelor’s degree may be helpful. People interested in careers in this field may also want to consider joining professional organizations to keep up with developments like new testing technologies that might affect their work.
