immunoglobulin g test

Immunoglobulin is a protein that acts as an antibody and is created by plasma cells and lymphocytes. Immunoglobins assumes a pivotal role in the body’s immune system as they help the body get rid of bacteria and microbes by attaching themselves to such outside substances and eliminating them. Immunoglobins can live either on the peripherals of the cells or can  circulate openly in the blood. It is the circulating immunoglobulins that are termed as antibodies. 

Immunoglobins are divided into different types called isotypes. There are five Immunoglobulin Isotypes which are - IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. The different types of Immunoglobulins have diverse natural properties, area of functioning and reaction to the various types of antigens.

Immunoglobulin G or IgG is one of the isotypes of Immunoglobulin. IgG is one of the most common antibodies in the blood circulation and represents nearly 75% of serum antibodies. The Immunoglobulin G is produced by plasma B cells and is crucial to the protection of body tissues against infection. It also protects the foetus in the utero from any infection. Immunoglobulin G is also responsible for the regulation of allergic reactions and can also prevent IgE mediated anaphylaxis. There are four subtypes of IgG named – IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4.

In some people owing to certain health condition the body produces low level of Immunoglobulin G causing IgG deficiency. People with IgG deficiency are prone to infections like;

• Sinus infection
• Gastrointestinal Infection
• Ear Infection
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Infections leading to throat infections

IgG deficiency can be seen in people suffering from kidney damage, leukaemia or other infections that makes the immune system weak making the body susceptible to further infections.

High levels of IgG means chronic infection like HIV/AIDS. The elevated IgG levels can also be due to Multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disorder and some types of cancer. 

The Immunoglobulin G test also known by several names like IgG Serum, Quantitative IgG, IgG Test and Serum. It is a simple blood test that measures the level of Immunoglobulin G antibodies in the blood. The IgG Serum test is performed to determine the presence of any infection in the body and the level of immunity of our body.

There are several reasons that necessitate the use of the IgG test like;

• It helps in ascertaining whether the individual has been exposed to illness or not.
• It helps in determining the immunity level post recovery from an illness or post vaccination.
• This test is also helpful in chronic inflammation cases
• In recurring infection cases
• If the infection caused is assumed to be due to IgG antibodies.

No special preparation is required for this test, although it is advised to inform your doctors.

The Immunoglobulin G test is a fairly simple blood test that requires blood sample, which is usually drawn out from the veins of the forearm. This blood sample is then sent for pathological testing.

The immunoglobulin G normal range varies with age and here are the IgG normal range for different age groups;

• The IgG normal range for age 0-1 years is between 231-1411 mg/dL
• The IgG normal range for age 1-3 years is between 453-916 mg/dL
• The Immunoglobulin normal range for age 4-6 years is between 504-1464 mg/dL
• The Immunoglobulin normal range for age 7-9 years is between 572-1474 mg/dL
• The IgG normal range for age 10-11 years: is between 698-1560 mg/dL
• The IgG normal range for age 12-13 years is between 759-1549 mg/dL
• The IgG normal range for age 14-15 years is between 716-1711 mg/dL
• The IgG normal range for age 16-19 years is between 549-1584 mg/dL
• The IgG normal range  for people older than 19 years of age is between 700-1600 mg/dL

The immunoglobulin G test result is interpreted in terms of high or low. The high IgG levels can be due to infections in the body or due to autoimmune disorders like Cirrhosis and as a reactions to certain substances. The low levels of IgG indicate towards the loss of protein from the body, which can be due to some disease or trauma like burns or may be due to diabetes. 

IgG test are not specific and although they can signal towards infections and autoimmune disorders, it cannot exactly pinpoint the reason behind the abnormal IgG levels and hence, other tests are needed to be done in conjunction with this particular test.

We can help you in taking the Immunoglobulin G test at home, with our fully certified and highly reliable at home pathological test services, which is one of the part of our elaborative at- home healthcare services.

In our at- home healthcare services you can find a range of services ranging from doctor consultation to IgG lab test and treatment. So, if you need IgG test at home, just give us a call and we will be there. You can also find us on Google just type IgG testing near me and you will find Portea in the search result.