Immunoglobulins

Department of Immunology

Notes

• Carried out in conjunction with serum electrophoresis.
• IgG, IgA and IgM levels are also measured.
  Individual Immunoglobulin classes will not be measured
• Low levels can be seen in Immunodeficiency, primary or secondary to other causes (e.g. immunosuppressive treatment or protein deficiency states). Can also be used to monitor patients having immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
• Isolated IgA deficiency is a common, typically benign, incidental finding; present in 1/400 of the health population. Most do not have a problem and it is unlikely to be clinically significant unless the patient has had recurrent infections.
• Can be used to screen for Myeloma and MGUS, known patients require paraprotein monitoring.

Sample Requirements

Adult

5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)

Paediatric

1ml Serum Sample

Assay interferences

Microbially contaminated, heat-treated, grossly haemolysed, icteric or lipaemic specimens should be avoided.

Turnaround Times

7 days

Reference Ranges

Individual classes have age related ranges. See individual reports for age-specific ranges.

Adult (16-60 years) ranges are broadly as follows: