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Tests & Imaging > Labs > Immunoglobulins

Last Update: 06/05/2010

Immunoglobulins (Ig)- a large family of proteins, also known
as antibodies, providing a first-line of defense that protects the body from foreign pathogens (virus, germs, parasites, etc.).

These are divided into five major classes: 
IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, and IgD."  

See also Immunoglobulin Explanation by Guy Sherwood

Rituxan treatment is associated with decreased serum immunoglobulins in a minority of patients. While Ig infusions, may be considered in these situations in order to reduce risk of infection, this way of supplementing antibodies is not without risks.  See for reducing risks: http://www.cidpusa.org/ivig.html
 

Normal Immunoglobulin levels vary by lab because of differences in testing techniques. Reading can also vary for adults versus children.
 
Common Immunoglobulins Values for Adults
IgA Immunoglobulin A

Protects against infections of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, airways, digestive tract

Est. Normal Range: 
80 - 350 mg/dl

IgG  Immunoglobulin G

M
ajor antibody found in the blood that can enter tissues; 
fights infection.
Est. Normal Range: 
620 - 1400 mg/dl
IgM Immunoglobulin M

Remains in the bloodstream where it can kill bacteria. 
Elevated levels associated with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia
Est. Normal Range: 
45 - 250 mg/dl
IgD Immunoglobulin D

Remains in the bloodstream to fight bacteria

Est. Normal Range:
.3 - 3.0 mg/dl

IgE Immunoglobulin E

Frequently increased in parasitic infestations and atopic individuals (with allergic hypersensitivity)

Est. Normal Range: 
.002 - .2 mg/dl

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See also Immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) Test  

Resources

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About immunoglobulins webmd.com  | NCI background on antibodies 
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Intravenous immunoglobulin for the prevention of infection in CLL. A randomized, controlled clinical trial. Cooperative Group for the Study of Immunoglobulin in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia content.nejm.org
bullet Immunoglobulins Test Results  webmd.com

Risks and Risk Factors

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Safety and Adverse Events Profiles of Intravenous Gammaglobulin Products Used for Immunomodulation: A Single-Center Experience  cjasn.asnjournals.org

It is important to understand that all IVIg products are not alike. They differ in salt and sugar content, pH, and osmolality. Careful attention to the products that are provided by an institution’s pharmacy is critical to avoid excipient-related adverse effects. On the basis of our experience, all IVIg products can be administered safely if adverse effect profiles are recognized and appropriate patient selection and premedications are given. Because the use and indications for IVIg continue to expand and higher doses and volumes are mandated for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, it is critical to be aware of the potential adverse effects that are associated with specific products and, more important, how to prevent them.
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FDA: Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), Vivaglobin http://bit.ly/bnpmBH 
indication: Primary Immune Deficiency (PID)
 

IgA

Immunoglobulin A

Est. Normal Range: 
80 - 350 mg/dl

Lab-specific
Varies by age

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Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a type of antibody that protects against infections of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, airways, and digestive tract.

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webMD
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Topic Search
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SELECTIVE IgA DEFICIENCY merck.praxis.MD 
 
"Selective IgA deficiency is defined as less than 5 mg/dL of serum IgA in the presence of normal concentrations of IgM and IgG. Among the B-cell disorders it is the most commonly identified deficiency. It occurs in one in every 500 to 1000 individuals in Europe and the United States. It is less common in those of African-American or Asian descent ... "

IgD

immunoglobulin D

Est. Normal Range:
.3 - 3.0 mg/dl
 
Lab-specific
Varies by age 

    

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IgD, immunoglobulin D is mainly found on the surface of B-cells and may help regulate B-cell function.  The function of circulating IgD is unknown.
 
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webMD
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Topic Search
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Immunoglobulin D Deficiency emedicine

IgE

immunoglobulin E

Normal Range: 
.002 - .2 mg/dl

Lab-specific
Varies by age
    

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IgE, immunoglobulin E - the protective role is not clear. IgE is frequently increased in parasitic infestations and atopic individuals. 

IgE myeloma is extremely rare and should be sought after abnormal protein electrophoresis (restriction) and/or abnormal kappa/lambda ratio unexplained by IgG, IgA, or IgM. IgE is elevated 4-30 times normal in various diseases, among which atopic disorders and parasitic disorders are most prominent. The principal limitation of this test is the wide overlapping range of IgE values between atopic and nonatopic disease states.
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Topic Search
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webMD

IgG

immunoglobulin G

Est. Normal Range: 
620 - 1400 mg/dl

Lab-specific
Varies by age

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IgG, immunoglobulin G - the major antibody found in the blood that can enter tissues. It coats germs, helping other cells to seek and destroy them.
 
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About IgG  wikipedia.org (NEW) |webMD
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Topic Search
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IgG subclasses in healthy children and adults xs4all.nl
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IgG subclasses and humoral immunity - xs4all.nl 

IgM

immunoglobulin M

Est. Normal Range: 
45 - 250 mg/dl

Lab-specific
Varies by age

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IgM, immunoglobulin M - an antibody that remains in the bloodstream where it can kill bacteria that enter the blood stream.  Elevated levels of IgM are associated with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia
 
"IgM in normal serum is often found to bind to specific antigens, even in the absence of prior immunization. For this reason IgM has sometimes been called a "natural antibody". This phenomenon is probably due to the high avidity of IgM that allow it to bind detectably even to weakly cross-reacting antigens that are naturally occurring in nature" 1
  1. About IgM  wikipedia.org (NEW) | webMD

Immuno-electrophoresis
serum/urine

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Detects the presence or absence of Immunoglobulins in the urine and assesses the qualitative character (polyclonal vs. monoclonal) of the immunoglobulins [1]

Normal Values: No, or small amount, of protein in the urine. 
Abnormal: Immunoglobulin (antibodies) in the urine.

Possible indications: Kidney disorders, multiple myeloma, Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom's, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a single clone of lymphocytes produces one type of immunoglobulin -- a monoclonal immunoglobulin. This is identifiable as monoclonal by immunoelectrophoresis. You can have monoclonal immunoglobulins, without it being a cancer, however.

  1. About urine - baptistnortheast.com
 
Disclaimer:  The information on Lymphomation.org is not intended to be a substitute for 
professional medical advice or to replace your relationship with a physician.
For all medical concerns,  you should always consult your doctor. 
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