Immunoglobulin IgA Serum Test

What is the Immunoglobin Serum Test?

Whenever infectious germs attack our body, the body's natural defence mechanism tries to fight against these germs by producing antibodies.  Antibodies are proteins made as a response of the immune system to fight against diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The body makes different types of immunoglobins IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE and IgD.

• IgG antibodies are essential for preventing bacterial and viral illnesses. The blood and body fluids contain a large majority of immunoglobulin G molecules. They are formed quickly in response to the immune system.
• IgA is antibody produced to protect the mucosal lining as in the digestive system and respiratory tract. It is contained in the saliva, stomach enzymes, and blood.
• IgM antibodies are the first immunoglobulins the body produces after exposure to bacteria. They are contained in  the body's lymph fluid and blood.

The Immunoglobulin Serum Test measures the type of immunoglobins produced by the body.

 

When does the doctor prescribe the Immunoglobin serum test?

A doctor may prescribe this test when he suspects

• To diagnose fever of unknown origin
• Autoimmune disorders like Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• chronic lung infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Infections or diarrhoea
• Chronic lung diseases
• Cytomegalovirus 
• Certain cancers in the body

 

What are the components of the Immunoglobin serum test?

It is a blood test recommended in combination with other routine investigations, especially when the treating doctor suspects cancer or fever of unknown origin. 

What is the normal range of the immunoglobin serum test?

• Depending upon the value, the report may show high or low immunoglobins.

•  High immunoglobins may indicate cancer or chronic infection, hepatitis, cirrhosis, or an autoimmune disease.
• Low levels of immunoglobins indicate severe burns, complications of diabetes, malabsorption disorder, kidney failure, and rarely some genetic disorders.

 

 What are the prerequisites for the immunoglobin serum test?

• The sample is collected from the vein
• There is no risk to the patient
• Consult your doctor before undergoing the test.