IMMUNOGLOBULIN G (IgG)

IgG

This test measures the amount of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, in your blood. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight disease-causing substances, like viruses and bacteria. Your body makes different types of immunoglobulins to fight different types of these substances.

An immunoglobulins test usually measures three specific types of immunoglobulins. They are called igG, igM, and IgA. If your levels of igG, igM, or IgA are too low or too high, it may be a sign of a serious health problem.

Other names: quantitative immunoglobulins, total immunoglobulins, IgG, IgM, IgA testing

An immunoglobulins blood test may be used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, including:

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Immunodeficiency, a condition that reduces the body's ability to fight infections and other diseases
• An autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. An autoimmune disorder causes your immune system to attack healthy cells, tissues, and/or organs by mistake.
• Certain types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma
• Infections in newborns