Immunoglobulin Quantification Test-Why am I having this test?

Immunoglobulin quantification test is used to detect and monitor various diseases, including infections, chronic liver disease, some cancers, autoimmune diseases, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

What is being tested?

This test checks for the concentration of immune system proteins (antibodies) called immunoglobulins in the blood. They include IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE. Immunoglobulin levels may increase for a number of reasons, including the presence of certain cancers. In these types of cancer, the cells that produce immunoglobulins (plasma cells) divide rapidly and release more immunoglobulins. Decreased immunoglobulin levels are often found in people with a deficiency in their immune system that could be due to a disease or treatment for a disease.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as values. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges are:

• Immunoglobulin G (IgG).
  • Adults: 565–1,765 mg/dL.
  • Children: 250–1,600 mg/dL.
• Immunoglobulin A (IgA).
  • Adults: 85–385 mg/dL.
  • Children: 1–350 mg/dL.
• Immunoglobulin M (IgM).
  • Adults: 55–375 mg/dL.
  • Children: 20–200 mg/dL.
• Immunoglobulin D (IgD) and Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
  • Minimal.

What do the results mean?

• Levels of IgG that are higher than the reference range may indicate:
  • Different infections.
  • Autoimmune diseases.
  • Chronic liver disease.
• Levels of IgG that are lower than the reference range may be associated with:
  • AIDS.
  • Different types of cancer.
  • Various causes of suppressed immunity, including medications or treatments for diseases such as cancer.
• Levels of IgA that are higher than the reference range may indicate:
  • Chronic liver diseases.
  • Chronic infections.
• Levels of IgA that are lower than the reference range may be associated with:
  • Various causes of immunoglobulin deficiency, including medications or treatments for diseases such as cancer.
• Levels of IgM that are higher than the reference range may indicate:
  • Certain rare cancers.
  • Different infections.
  • Autoimmune diseases.
  • Chronic liver conditions.
• Levels of IgM that are lower than the reference range may be associated with:
  • AIDS.
  • Various causes of immunoglobulin deficiency.
  • Various causes of suppressed immunity, including medications or treatments for diseases such as cancer.
• Levels of IgE that are higher than the reference range may indicate:
  • Allergic reactions or allergic infections.
• Levels of IgE that are lower than the reference range may indicate:
  • Inherited immunoglobulin deficiency.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• The immunoglobulin quantification test is performed to detect and monitor various diseases.
• Immunoglobulins (Ig) are a type of antibody in the blood. They include IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE.
• The levels of these antibodies may increase due to a number of conditions, such as in certain cancers.
• The levels of these antibodies may decrease because of a problem in the immune system.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results may mean.