Immunoglobulins: What To Think About
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What To Think About
- Immunoglobulins are made specific to different illnesses. For example, the IgM antibody for mononucleosis is different than the IgM for herpes. For this reason, a doctor can look for an immunoglobulin to a specific illness to help diagnose that illness.
- Different antibodies can be used to help a doctor tell the difference between a new and past infection. For example, IgM antibodies for mononucleosis with or without IgG antibodies means a new mono infection. IgG antibodies without IgM means a past mono infection.
- People with very low immunoglobulin levels, especially IgA, IgG, and IgM, have a higher chance of developing an infection.
- A very small number of people cannot make IgA and have a higher chance of developing a potentially life-threatening reaction to a blood transfusion.
- An immunoglobulin test is often done when the results of a blood protein electrophoresis or total blood protein test are abnormal. For more information, see the medical tests Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) and Total Serum Protein.
| Last updated: | August 19, 2008 |
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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