What is a standard test performed to assess immune system functionality?

The assessment of immune system functionality primarily revolves around the analysis of white blood cells, which are crucial components of the immune response. A white blood cell count specifically measures the number of these cells in a given volume of blood and can provide significant insights into how effectively the immune system is operating. Elevated or decreased levels of white blood cells can indicate various conditions, including infections, immune disorders, or hematological diseases.

While a complete blood count (CBC) includes a white blood cell count and can provide additional information related to overall health, the white blood cell count itself is the most direct test used to evaluate the functionality and status of the immune system. The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and blood glucose tests are more focused on metabolic functions and do not directly measure immune response or functionality. Hence, the white blood cell count stands out as the most relevant and standard test for evaluating immune system functionality.