There are five major types of immunoglobulins classified on the basis of their heavy chain: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE and IgD. Elevation of all the immunoglobulins (polyclonal gammopathy) is seen in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. An increase of a single immunoglobulin (monoclonal gammopathy) may be associated with a benign condition or a malignancy such as plasma cell myeloma or lymphoma. In these latter conditions, other immunoglobulins may be suppressed. Reduced immunoglobulins are seen in various immune deficiency states.
Reference ranges are:
IgG |
600 - 1500 mg/dL |
IgA |
60 - 400 mg/dL |
IgM |
50 - 300 mg/dL |
Specimen requirement is one SST tube of blood.
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