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Immunoglobulin test
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An immunoglobulin test measures how much immunoglobulin is in the blood. Immunoglobulin is simply another name for antibodies: these are the proteins the immune system makes to fight germs such as viruses and bacteria.
It is like taking roll call for three different guard shifts, because it usually measures the three main types. IgM is the first one the body produces when it encounters a germ. IgG is the one made against a specific germ, and it remembers that germ afterward. And IgA protects the airways, which we breathe through, and the digestive tract, which we use to eat and digest food.
To do the test, a member of the health care team draws a blood sample from a vein in the arm. It is used to evaluate conditions that can affect the immune system, and repeated infections are one symptom of low immunoglobulin levels.
In brief
An immunoglobulin test measures how much immunoglobulin is in the blood; immunoglobulins are antibodies, proteins the immune system makes to fight germs.
It usually measures the three main types: IgM, the first after exposure, IgG, which remembers the germ, and IgA, which protects the airways and digestive tract.
It is taking roll call at three different guard shifts.
Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm, and the test helps evaluate conditions that can affect the immune system; repeated infections are one symptom of low levels.
Sources (1)
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of MedicineImmunoglobulins Blood Test, MedlinePlus Medical TestsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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