Immunoglobulins
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.
