IgG

The IgG test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Brief Description: The IgG test, also known as Immunoglobulin G test, is a blood test that measures the levels of Immunoglobulin G antibodies in the blood. Immunoglobulins are proteins produced by the immune system to fight against infections and provide long-term immunity. IgG is the most abundant and long-lasting antibody in the body, making it a valuable indicator of a person's immune response.

Also Known As: Immunoglobulin G test, Immunoglobulin IgG test, Immunoglobulin G Antibody test, IgG Antibody test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why an IgG Test May Be Ordered:

An IgG test is commonly ordered in the following situations:

1. Routine Health Checkup: It may be included as part of a regular health examination to assess overall immunity and detect any deficiencies.

2. Suspected Infections: When a person shows symptoms of an infection, the test helps identify if the body has developed specific antibodies against the pathogen.

3. Monitoring Immunity: In cases of chronic infections or when evaluating the effectiveness of vaccinations, the test helps monitor long-term immunity.

4. Autoimmune Diseases: For patients suspected of having autoimmune disorders, the IgG test can identify elevated or abnormal antibodies that target the body's tissues.

5. Allergy Testing: In some cases, the IgG test may be used for allergy testing, although it is more commonly used for IgE-mediated allergies.

What an IgG Test Checks For:

The IgG test measures the concentration of Immunoglobulin G antibodies in the blood. It provides information about the body's immune response to various infections, vaccinations, or autoimmune conditions. Elevated levels of IgG antibodies can indicate a recent or past infection, successful vaccination, or an autoimmune response.

Other Lab Tests That May Be Ordered Alongside an IgG Test:

When an IgG test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of the immune system, particularly for diagnosing immunodeficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and certain infections. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Immunoglobulins A and Immunoglobulin M:

   • Purpose: To measure the levels of other major types of immunoglobulins.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To provide a comprehensive assessment of the immune system. Abnormal levels of these immunoglobulins can indicate immune deficiencies or dysfunctions.

2. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential:

   • Purpose: Provides a broad picture of overall blood health, including white and red blood cells, and platelets.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To detect signs of infection, inflammation, or other hematologic abnormalities that might be related to immune system issues.

3. ANA:

   • Purpose: To detect antibodies that target the body's own tissues, indicative of autoimmune disorders.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To help diagnose autoimmune conditions, which can sometimes be associated with abnormal immunoglobulin levels.

4. Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP):

   • Purpose: To analyze the different proteins in the blood, including immunoglobulins.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To identify abnormal protein production or patterns, which can be associated with conditions like multiple myeloma or chronic infections.

5. Liver Function Test:

   • Purpose: To assess liver health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: The liver plays a role in producing proteins, including immunoglobulins, so liver disorders can affect IgG levels.

6. Kidney Function Test:

   • Purpose: To evaluate kidney function.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Kidney disease can impact the levels of proteins in the blood, including immunoglobulins.

7. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):

   • Purpose: Non-specific markers of inflammation.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess for inflammation, which can be associated with immune disorders and infections.

These tests, when ordered alongside an Immunoglobulin G test, provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s immune system status and can assist in diagnosing various immune-related conditions. They are important for detecting and managing immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, and understanding the body’s response to infections and vaccinations. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual's symptoms, medical history, and clinical presentation.

Conditions or Diseases That Would Require an IgG Test:

An IgG test is useful in the following conditions:

1. Infections: To identify past or current infections, such as viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.

2. Vaccination Monitoring: To assess immunity following vaccinations and evaluate the need for booster shots.

3. Autoimmune Disorders: To detect autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or celiac disease.

4. Primary Immunodeficiency: To diagnose certain immune deficiencies where the body does not produce enough antibodies.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results of an IgG Test:

Healthcare providers use the results of an IgG test to:

1. Diagnose Infections: Elevated IgG levels can indicate a past or recent infection, helping to confirm the presence of specific pathogens.

2. Monitor Immunity: The test helps assess the effectiveness of vaccinations or previous infections in providing long-term immunity.

3. Identify Autoimmune Diseases: Abnormal IgG levels targeting specific tissues can indicate autoimmune disorders.

4. Manage Immunodeficiencies: Low IgG levels may indicate primary immunodeficiencies, guiding appropriate management and treatment.

In conclusion, the IgG test is a valuable tool for assessing the body's immune response and identifying past or current infections. It helps monitor immunity, diagnose autoimmune diseases, and evaluate immunodeficiencies. By analyzing IgG antibody levels in the blood, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into a patient's immune status and tailor appropriate medical care and interventions.

Most Common Questions About the IgG test:

Understanding the IgG Test

What is an IgG test?

The IgG test is a blood test that measures the level of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most common type of antibody found in the blood. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight off foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Why is the IgG test important?

The IgG test is important because it helps determine whether a person has sufficient antibodies to protect against infections. It can also be used to diagnose certain autoimmune and infectious diseases, and to evaluate the immune system's function.

What is the normal range for the IgG test?

The normal range for the IgG test can vary slightly depending on the lab, but generally, it's between 700 to 1,600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults.

Interpreting IgG Test Results

What does a high IgG level mean in an IgG test?

High IgG levels can indicate an ongoing infection or inflammatory disease, a condition that causes the immune system to overreact like autoimmune diseases, or certain types of cancer like multiple myeloma or lymphoma.

What does a low IgG level mean in an IgG test?

Low IgG levels can indicate an immune deficiency, which can make a person more susceptible to infections. This can occur due to genetic conditions, infections like HIV, or as a side effect of treatments such as chemotherapy.

How does age affect the IgG test results?

IgG levels are generally lower in children and increase as one grows older. Therefore, age-specific reference ranges are often used in interpreting IgG test results.

Can the IgG test differentiate between past and current infections?

Yes, the IgG test can help differentiate between past and current infections. IgG antibodies typically remain in the body long after an infection has resolved, so their presence can indicate past exposure. However, very high levels can also suggest an active infection.

IgG Test and Specific Conditions

How is the IgG test used in diagnosing autoimmune diseases?

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against the body's own tissues. The IgG test can help identify these abnormal antibodies, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

How is the IgG test used in diagnosing infectious diseases?

IgG antibodies are produced in response to infections. Therefore, the presence of specific IgG antibodies can indicate a past or sometimes current infection with a particular organism, such as the Epstein-Barr virus or the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

How is the IgG test used in diagnosing immune deficiencies?

The IgG test can help diagnose immune deficiencies by measuring the total level of IgG in the blood. If levels are low, it can suggest a problem with the body's ability to produce antibodies.

How is the IgG test used in diagnosing allergies?

The IgG test can be used to detect IgG antibodies against specific allergens. However, the clinical relevance of IgG in allergy testing is controversial, as IgG antibodies are typically indicative of exposure, not necessarily allergic reaction.

How is the IgG test used in diagnosing multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, often leads to the production of abnormal IgG antibodies. Therefore, the IgG test can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of this condition.

General Questions about the IgG Test

How do vaccination responses affect the IgG test?

Vaccination stimulates the immune system to produce specific IgG antibodies against the disease in question. So, after vaccination, an increase in specific IgG levels can be observed.

Can certain medications affect the IgG test results?

Yes, certain medications can affect the IgG test results. Immunosuppressive drugs can decrease IgG levels, while some vaccines can increase specific IgG antibodies.

Can the IgG test diagnose food sensitivities?

Some practitioners use the IgG test to diagnose food sensitivities, but this is controversial. Most major health organizations do not recognize this practice due to a lack of scientific evidence.

Can the IgG test be used to check immunity against a specific disease?

Yes, by detecting specific IgG antibodies, the IgG test can determine whether a person is immune to a certain disease, such as chickenpox or measles.

Can the IgG test be used to monitor treatment in certain conditions?

Yes, the IgG test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments in conditions like multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, by tracking the levels of IgG over time.

Can the IgG test help determine the cause of recurring infections?

Yes, if a person has recurring infections, an IgG test can help determine if there's an immune deficiency making them more susceptible to infections.

How do infections like HIV affect the IgG test results?

HIV affects the immune system and can decrease the overall IgG level, leading to a greater susceptibility to infections.

Can the IgG test diagnose celiac disease?

An IgG test against certain components of gluten can aid in diagnosing celiac disease, particularly in those who cannot produce normal IgA antibodies.

Can stress affect the IgG test results?

Chronic stress can impact the immune system and potentially alter IgG levels, though this is not typically a primary factor considered in interpretation of an IgG test.

How does pregnancy affect the IgG test results?

Pregnancy can affect the immune system and might influence IgG levels. Moreover, IgG is the only type of antibody that crosses the placenta, providing the unborn baby with immunity.

Can the IgG test help in diagnosing liver diseases?

While the IgG test is not typically used to diagnose liver diseases, certain liver conditions, such as cirrhosis, can affect the production and clearance of IgG, potentially influencing test results.

How does kidney disease affect the IgG test results?

Kidney disease, particularly nephrotic syndrome, can lead to loss of IgG in urine, which can result in lower blood IgG levels.

What other tests might be ordered with the IgG test?

Other tests that might be ordered with the IgG test include tests for other immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM), a complete blood count (CBC), and specific antibody tests for conditions suspected based on the patient's symptoms and medical history.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.