Total Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgE, IgG, IgM)

The Total Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgE, IgG, IgM) panel contains 4 tests with 4 biomarkers.

Bried Description: The Total Immunoglobulins panel is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate the levels of the main classes of immunoglobulins in the blood: Immunoglobulin E (IgE), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), and Immunoglobulin A (IgA). Each of these immunoglobulins plays a crucial role in the body's immune response, and their levels can provide valuable insights into a person's immune system health and function.

Collection Methold: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the Total Immunoglobulins Panel May Be Ordered

The Total Immunoglobulins panel may be ordered when a person shows symptoms suggestive of immune system disorders, allergies, chronic infections, or autoimmune diseases. It is also used to evaluate individuals with recurrent infections to check for potential immunodeficiencies. Additionally, the panel may be ordered to monitor the effectiveness of treatments that affect the immune system.

What the Total Immunoglobulins Panel Checks For

  • Immunoglobulin E (IgE): IgE is associated mainly with allergic responses. Elevated levels can indicate allergic diseases, parasitic infections, and some autoimmune disorders.

  • Immunoglobulin G (IgG): IgG is the most abundant type of antibody and is essential for long-term immunity. It protects against bacterial and viral infections and is often assessed to evaluate the body's ability to mount a response to infection or vaccination.

  • Immunoglobulin M (IgM): IgM is usually the first antibody type produced in response to an infection. High levels can indicate a recent or current infection.

  • Immunoglobulin A (IgA): IgA plays a critical role in mucosal immunity, being present in mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and saliva. It helps protect against infections in these areas.

Conditions Detected by the Total Immunoglobulins Panel

The Total Immunoglobulins panel can aid in the diagnosis and management of various conditions:

  • Allergic and Atopic Disorders: Elevated IgE levels can be indicative of atopic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis.

  • Immunodeficiency Disorders: Abnormally low levels of IgG, IgM, or IgA might suggest an immunodeficiency disorder, impairing the body's ability to fight infections effectively.

  • Autoimmune Diseases: Increased levels of certain immunoglobulins can be associated with autoimmune conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

  • Chronic and Acute Infections: High IgM levels can indicate an acute infection, while elevated IgG levels can suggest a chronic infection or past exposure to a specific pathogen.

Using Total Immunoglobulins Panel Results in Treatment and Monitoring

Healthcare professionals use the results from the Total Immunoglobulins panel to:

  • Diagnose Allergic Conditions: Elevated IgE levels can confirm the presence of allergic conditions, guiding the selection of appropriate allergy management and treatment strategies.

  • Identify Immunodeficiencies: Abnormal IgG, IgM, or IgA levels can lead to further testing to pinpoint specific immunodeficiencies, informing treatment options such as immunoglobulin replacement therapy.

  • Manage Autoimmune Diseases: Alterations in immunoglobulin levels can help diagnose and monitor autoimmune diseases, assisting in evaluating the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapies.

  • Assess Infection Status: Changes in IgM and IgG levels can provide insights into the timing and stage of infections, guiding treatment decisions and follow-up care.

The Total Immunoglobulins panel is a vital tool in assessing the overall health and functionality of the immune system. By measuring the levels of key immunoglobulins, this panel helps in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from allergies and immune deficiencies to autoimmune diseases and infections. Understanding the levels and roles of these immunoglobulins enables healthcare providers to tailor treatment strategies to the specific needs of the individual, ultimately leading to better management of immune-related conditions and improved patient outcomes.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Immunoglobulin E

Immunoglobulin E

Immunoglobulin G

Immunoglobulin M

Immunoglobulin A

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