The gamma globulin blood test is used by medical providers to test for the amount of immunoglobins that are in the blood. When trying to fight of a disease or infection, the immune system will produce 5 different types of antibodies that are currently known. When there is a low antibody level, then it makes a patient become more susceptible to an infection, disease, or other health issue.
This blood test will detect any abnormalities so that a medical provider can begin to develop a treatment plan to restore patient health.
What Are the 5 Types of Antibodies Produced by the Body?
Each type of antibody is given a specific role to play when protecting a person’s health. Detecting a deficiency in one or more of these antibodies can help a medical provider begin to understand the cause behind a patient’s bothersome symptoms.
IgA antibodies are designed to help the external parts of the human body be able to cope with its current environment. These antibodies are primarily found in the nose, eyes, ears, and digestive tract. They can also be found in areas of the body where the external environment may have interior access to the body.
IgG antibodies are used to fight off infections that are caused by viruses or bacteria. They are generally found in bodily fluids.
IgM antibodies are usually found in the blood and in lymph fluid. It is produced when the body detects that there is some kind of infection that is active. These antibodies are able to help the overall immune system begin to remove the infection from the body.
IgE antibodies are designed to help the body fight off foreign substances that may enter it. This would include items such as mold spores or flower pollen. You’ll typically find them in the lungs, with the skin, and in the mucous membranes.
IgD antibodies are the rarest that the body produces according to our current science. They are usually found in the abdomen and chest lining. What their function is in providing better health is not fully understood as of yet, but we do know that these antibodies do bind to basophils and mast cells, which activates them so they are participate in respiratory immune defense.
The gamma globulin blood test is able to detect the proteins that are in blood plasma which contain these antibodies, helping to prevent or combat infection or disease. Each antibody has a normal range to indicate when a patient is experiencing good health – or may be suffering from an illness or infectious condition.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
The gamma globulin blood test will produce total results for each of the 5 antibodies based on the blood sample taken from the patient. Results below are generally treated as “normal,” with anything falling above or below this range considered to be “abnormal.” Only a medical provider can interpret what your specific test results mean for your health.
- IgA antibodies have a normal range of 85-385 mg/dL. High levels indicate liver health issues or the presence of an autoimmune disorder. Lower levels may indicate kidney problems or the presence of cancer.
- IgG antibodies have a normal range of 565-1770 mg/dL. High levels indicate hepatitis, MS, or a viral infection. Low levels may indicate kidney damage, leukemia, or other cancers.
- IgM antibodies have a normal range of 37-55 mg/dL. Higher levels occur with a parasitic infection, kidney damage, viral infections, and certain cancers. Lower levels may indicate a genetic immune system disorder or the presence of certain cancers.
- IgE antibodies have a normal range between 4-590 mg/dL. Higher values may indicate an asthma attack, a parasitic infection, or atopic dermatitis. Lower values may be an indication that a muscle disease is present.
- IgD antibodies have a normal range of 8 mg/dL or lower. Higher values are typically seen when suffering from periodic fever syndromes, certain genetic deficiency disorders, or problems with allergies.
Every laboratory has their own normal range. Certain test readings may fall outside of the ranges reporting in this guide, but still be reported as “normal” to a patient because of this. Individual patients may also have slightly higher or lower antibody levels naturally.
There are also certain procedures that may temporarily raise antibody levels, including having a vaccine administered in the last 7 days.
The gamma globulin blood test can help a medical provider determine if the immune system of a patient has been activated. Use this guide to ask your doctor questions about your health so that you can receive the answers you may need.