Immunoglobulins

Gamma Globulin Tests

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.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: August 19, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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