immunoglobulin m test

Simply put Immunoglobulin is a protein that helps the immune system fight against diseases.

Immunoglobulins are a type of protein that serve as an antibody and helps the body fight against infections by latching on to foreign substances like bacteria and microbes and destroying it. There are 5 major types of Immunoglobulin; which are as follows;

• IgA or Immunoglobulin A 
• IgD or Immunoglobulin D
• IgE or Immunoglobulin E
• IgG or Immunoglobulin G
• IgM or Immunoglobulin M

Both high and low levels of immunoglobulin in the bloodstream exposes the body to plenty of infections and autoimmune disorders.

Immunoglobulin M is one of the forms of immunoglobulin and is found in the blood and lymph fluid. IgM is one of the largest antibody and also the first antibody produced by the body to fight off any new antigens and microbes affecting the immune system.

IgM antibody is also termed as the body’s natural antibody, owing to its ability to latch on to specific antigens without any prior immunization. The IgM antibody is extremely fast in initiating an immune response towards the foreign substance by neutralising the pathogens directly.

Both elevated levels of IgM and IgM deficiency is bad for health as they seriously compromise the body’s immunity system, exposing it to further infections. For instance people with IgM deficiency are more prone to fungal infections, recurrent infections, sinusitis, pneumonia, atopic or chronic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, wheezing and diarrhoea; while elevated levels of IgM antibodies lead to gastrointestinal problems, autoimmune disorders like chronic arthritis, low platelets count, haemolytic anaemia, hypothyroidism and kidney disease, neutropenia, risk for some types of cancer like neuro endocrine carcinoma. 

The Immunoglobulin M Test is used to measure the amount of IgM antibodies in the blood. The IgM test is also used to assess a person’s immune system and also to detect and monitor an excess or deficiency of different Immunoglobulin class. The IgA, IgG and IgM test are usually taken together to get a clearer picture of the person’s immunity function and it’s ability to deal with antigens. 

The IgM test is advised if the patient shows the following symptoms;

• Recurrent infections of the respiratory tract like sinusitis, pneumonia
• Infection of the gastrointestinal tract
• IgM deficiency
• Elevated levels of IgM leading to lack of IgG levels

The Immunoglobulin M test is a simple blood test and does not require any special preparation. However, it is advisable to inform your doctor about the kind of medication you are taking, as they can affect the IgM test results.

The Immunoglobulin M test requires simple blood sample, which is drawn out by means of an injection from the veins of the forearm.

The Immunoglobulin M test is a safe procedure and does not have any risks as such attached to it and whatever side effects that might be are pretty nominal like;

• Soreness of the injection site
• Dizziness
• Excessive bleeding
• Infection at the puncture site

The Immunoglobulin M normal range is variable and is depended upon the age of the person. The varied IgM normal range across different age groups are as follows;

• For ages 0- 5 months the IgM normal range is between 26-122 mg/dL
• For 5-9 months the IgM normal range is between 32-132 mg/dL
• For 9-15 months the IgM normal range is between 40-143 mg/dL
• For 15-24 months the IgM normal range is between 46-152 mg/dL
• For 2-4 years the IgM normal range is between 37-184 mg/dL
• For 4-7 years the IgM normal range is between 37-224 mg/dL
• For 7-10 years the IgM normal range is between 38-251 mg/dL
• For 10-13 years the IgM normal range is between 41-255 mg/dL
• For 13-16 years the IgM normal range is between 45-244 mg/dL
• For 16-18 years the IgM normal range is between 49-201 mg/dL
• For  over 18 years of age the IgM normal range is between 37-286 mg/dL

The Immunoglobulin M test results are read in terms of high or low. Low IgM levels or IgM deficiency could be due primary or secondary immune deficiency.

While elevated IgM levels or high IgM levels could be indicative of macroglobulinemia, primary systematic amyloidosis, monoclonal gammopathy and associated disorders.

 We bring you the facility to get tested for IgM antibodies at the comfort of your home; wherein our representative phlebotomist would visit you at your home and collect the blood sample at a time of day of your convenience and after the testing, would also make the IgM test results available online.

We are a highly reliable and fully certified team of varied health professionals who strive to bring quality healthcare at the comfort of people’s home, without compromising on the quality of the healthcare received. So, if you need IgM test at home or are looking for IgM treatment, then look no further and give us a call and experience the best in class healthcare service at your home.