To help evaluate a person’s immune system status; to detect and monitor an excess or deficiency in one or more of the immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM)
To help evaluate a person’s immune system status; to detect and monitor an excess or deficiency in one or more of the immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM)
When you have recurrent infections and/or chronic diarrhea; when your healthcare practitioner suspects an immunoglobulin deficiency or excess of a particular immunoglobulin; periodically to monitor a condition that affects immunoglobulin levels that may be genetic (selective IgA deficiency) or acquired (HIV/AIDS, multiple myeloma)
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. When required, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is collected by a health practitioner from the lower back using a procedure called a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Saliva or other fluids are collected in a container provided by the laboratory.
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Immunoglobulins play a key role in the body’s immune system. They are proteins produced by specific immune cells called plasma cells in response to bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms as well as exposures to other substances that are recognized by the body as “non-self” harmful antigens. This test measures the amount of immunoglobulins A, G, and M (IgA, IgG, IgM) in the blood and, in certain circumstances, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or saliva.
The first time a person is infected or otherwise exposed to a foreign substance (antigen), their immune system recognizes the microorganism or substance as “non-self” and stimulates plasma cells to produce specific immunoglobulin(s), also called antibodies, that can bind to and neutralize the threat. With subsequent exposures, the immune system “remembers” the antigen that was encountered, which allows for the rapid production of more antibodies and, in the case of microorganisms, helps prevent re-infection.
There are five classes of immunoglobulins and several subclasses. Each class represents a group of antibodies and has a slightly different role. Classes of immunoglobulins include:
Immunoglobulins testing measures the total amount of each primary immunoglobulin class, IgA, IgM, and IgG, without distinguishing between subclasses. Separate testing can be performed to measure immunoglobulin subclasses and/or to detect and measure specific antibodies.
A variety of conditions can cause an increase (hypergammaglobulinemia) or decrease (hypogammaglobulinemia) in the production of immunoglobulins. Some cause an excess or deficiency of all classes of immunoglobulins while others affect only one class. Some of the conditions are passed from one generation to the next (inherited) and others are acquired.
Sources Used in Current Review
2018 review performed by Mary M. Mayo, PhD, DABCC, FAACC, Global Medical and Scientific Affairs, Beckman Coulter.
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