Immunoglobulins Blood Test
Reviewed
Also called: quantitative immunoglobulins, total immunoglobulins, IgG, IgM, IgA testing
An immunoglobulins blood test measures the amount of immunoglobulins in your blood. Immunoglobulins are also called antibodies.
Specimen: Blood
Why this test may be ordered
- You have symptoms of low immunoglobulin production, such as frequent infections (especially from the same germ), sinus/throat/ear infections, respiratory infections, diarrhea, or serious infections from germs that usually don't cause problems in healthy people.
- Immunodeficiency runs in your family.
- Your provider thinks you may have a problem making normal levels of immunoglobulins.
- Your provider thinks your immunoglobulin levels may be too high (possible autoimmune disease or cancer).
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for an immunoglobulins blood test. Some medicines can affect the accuracy of the results. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Your provider will compare your levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA. An immunoglobulins blood test alone cannot diagnose any conditions.
- Low levels of one or more immunoglobulins: Some possible causes of low levels of one or more immunoglobulins are: Conditions that may reduce the amount of protein in your body Limitation: If your immunoglobulin levels aren't normal, it doesn't always mean you have a condition that needs treatment. Next step: So if your results aren't normal, you'll probably need more testing to find out what's affecting your immune system.
- High levels of one or more immunoglobulins: Some possible causes of high levels of one or more immunoglobulins are: An autoimmune disease, Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, A chronic infection Limitation: Certain medicines can affect your results. Next step: Depending on your results, your provider may order additional tests.
- An immunoglobulins blood test alone cannot diagnose any conditions; abnormal results require further testing.
- Certain medicines can affect the accuracy of results.
- Abnormal immunoglobulin levels do not always mean you have a condition that needs treatment.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results, talk with your provider.
- What do my immunoglobulin levels indicate about my immune system?
- Do I need additional tests based on my results?
- How do my current medicines affect my test results?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Immunoglobulins Blood Test