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Epic Test Code LAB3010 Immunoglobulin: IgA, IgG, and IgM, Serum

Performing Location(s)

BMC

Specimen Type

Serum or Plasma

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top tube

Alternate Container

Green (Heparin) top tube

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

1.5 mL Serum or Plasma

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hour of collection followed by transfer of the serum (red or gold top) or plasma (green top) to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube.

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
> 72 hours refrigerated
> 8 hours room temperature
> 5 days Frozen
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 1000 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 40 mg/dL Bili

 

Limitations

Samples containing a monoclonal immunoglobulin may result in a condition of antigen excess and artificially decreased values. Since the presence of a monoclonal protein can normally be detected using protein electrophoresis, the validity of immunochemical results may be confirmed with an electrophoretic pattern

Reference Values

Immunoglobulin IgA Reference Range
Units Reference Range
mg/dL 66-433

 

Immunoglobulin IgG Reference Range
Units Reference Range
mg/dL 635-1741

 

Immunoglobulin IgM Reference Range
Units Reference Range
mg/dL 45-281

 

Available STAT

Yes

Days of Analysis

All

Additional Information

Additional Information:

Immunoglobulins are formed by plasma cells as a humoral response to contact of the immune system with antigens. The initial reaction is production of IgM antibodies, followed later by IgG and IgA antibodies. Quantitative determination of the immunoglobulins can provide important information on the humoral immune status.

 

IgA is the second most abundant immunoglobulin in normal adult plasma. It is the predominant immunoglobulin in body secretions such as colostrum, saliva, and sweat. Synthesis of IgA begins during the first few weeks of life, there is essentially no IgA in the plasma of newborns. Decreased IgA concentrations occur in primary immunodeficiency conditions as well as in secondary immune insufficiences.3 Increased IgA concentrations occur due to polyclonal or oligoclonal immunoglobulin proliferation.4 In serum, IgA exists in monomeric and polymeric forms. Monoclonal immunoglobulinemia5 requires detailed differential diagnostic investigation in addition to the quantitative determination

 

IgG is the most abundant immunoglobulin in normal adult plasma. It is the only immunoglobulin that crosses the placental barrier to provide protection to the fetus. 2 Decreased IgG concentrations occur in primary immunodeficiency conditions as well as in secondary immune insufficiences.3 Increased IgG concentrations occur due to polyclonal or oligoclonal immunoglobulin proliferation.4 In serum, IgG exists in monomeric and polymeric forms. Monoclonal immunoglobulinemia5 requires detailed differential diagnostic investigation in addition to the quantitative determination.

 

IgM accounts for about 5-10% of the immunoglobulins in normal adult plasma. It is the first immunoglobulin to be synthesized after an antigenic challenge. Decreased IgM concentrations occur in primary immunodeficiency conditions as well as in secondary immune insufficiences. Increased IgM concentrations occur due to polyclonal or oligoclonal immunoglobulin proliferation. IgM exists primarily as a pentamer in serum; although small amounts of hexamer and monomer forms have been reported. Monoclonal immunoglobulinemia5 requires detailed differential diagnostic investigation in addition to the quantitative determination.

 

 

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

82784 x3

Last Updated

18-Mar-22 BHD