What do the results of an immunoglobulin test mean?
What do the results of an immunoglobulin test mean?
What Do My Results Mean? This test checks the amount of certain antibodies called immunoglobulins in your body. Antibodies are proteins that your immune cells make to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other harmful invaders. The immunoglobulin test can show whether there’s a problem with your immune system.
What happens if there are too many immunoglobulins in your blood?
Having too few immunoglobulins in your blood gives you a greater chance of getting infections. Having too many could mean you have allergies or an overactive immune system . Types of Immunoglobulin
When does a doctor order an immunoglobulin test?
Your doctor might order an immunoglobulin test if you get a lot of infections — especially infections of the sinuses, lungs, stomach, or intestines. She may also order the test if you have: Doctors often measure IgA, IgG, and IgM together to get a snapshot of your immune function.
What causes low immunoglobin levels on a blood test?
A hyperimmunization reaction may also cause this type of result. Extra cells may even be monoclonal, which means they are clones of just one plasma cell. Most low results on this blood test are because of an acquired condition. Medications and other conditions that artificially lower immunoglobin levels are the most common cause of this result.
What do you need to know about immunoglobulins blood test?
Immunoglobulins (Igs) are a group of proteins also known as antibodies. Normal Igs include: You need proper levels of normal Igs to maintain health. The immunoelectrophoresis-serum test (IEP-serum) is a blood test used to measure the types of Ig present in your blood, especially IgM, IgG, and IgA.
Having too few immunoglobulins in your blood gives you a greater chance of getting infections. Having too many could mean you have allergies or an overactive immune system . Types of Immunoglobulin
How long does it take to get results from immunoglobulin test?
The results are commonly available within a few days. If results suggest any abnormality, the doctor will likely perform further tests. The immunoglobulin test is considered a safe procedure. However, as with many medical tests, some problems can occur with having blood drawn, like:
How are immunoglobulins produced in the body?
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) – IgM antibodies are produced as a body’s first response to a new infection or to a new “non-self” antigen, providing short-term protection. They increase for several weeks and then decline as IgG production begins. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) – About 70-80% of the immunoglobulins in the blood are IgG.