Immunoglobulins: Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
A test for immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the blood is done to:
- Find certain autoimmune diseases or allergies.
- Find certain types of cancer (such as multiple myeloma or macroglobulinemia).
- See whether recurring infections are caused by a low level of immunoglobulins (especially IgG).
- Check the treatment for certain types of cancer affecting the bone marrow.
- Check the treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
- Check the response to immunizations to see if you are immune to the disease.
This test is often done when the results of a blood protein electrophoresis or total blood protein test are abnormal.
| Last updated: | August 19, 2008 |
|---|---|
| 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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