Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulin Lab Tests and health information

Do you have a question about immunoglobulins?

Immunoglobulins are proteins that help the body fight off infections. They can be found in blood, saliva, mucus, and tears. The most common types of immunoglobulins include the five classes IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM – each with different functions. For example, your body produces more antibodies when it comes into contact with an antigen (a foreign substance that causes an immune response). 

These antibodies protect us from bacteria and viruses by binding to them before they enter our bodies. This prevents infection or illness from occurring. When we're exposed to a virus or bacteria, it is important for our bodies to produce these antibodies quickly, ... See more


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Immunoglobulins are also known as Igs, antibodies, immune globulins, gamma globulins, and immune serum globulins.

There are two standard definitions of Immunoglobulins:

1.  A solution sourced from human blood plasma, which has concentrated levels of antibodies that offer protection from certain diseases.

For instance, someone could have short-term protection from particular infections or even Rh sensitization while they’re pregnant. These solutions can be created using human blood plasma that is pooled and processed from sources of blood donations before undergoing purification.

2.  Special proteins made inside the human body as a response to foreign elements like viruses and bacteria. Plasma cells in lymphoid tissues and bone marrow make five different classes of immunoglobulins that bind to foreign substances and then neutralize them: A, D, E, G, and M.

This overview will concentrate on definition #2.

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