High values IgA. High levels of IgA may indicate IgA multiple myeloma.

Levels of IgA also increase in some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and long-term (chronic) hepatitis. IgG. High levels of IgG may indicate a long-term (chronic) infection, such as AIDS. Levels of IgG also increase in IgG multiple myeloma, long-term hepatitis, multiple sclerosis (MS), and some autoimmune diseases. In multiple myeloma, tumor cells produce only one type of IgG antibody (monoclonal); the other conditions cause an increase in many types of IgG antibodies (polyclonal). IgM. High levels of IgM can indicate macroglobulinemia, early viral hepatitis, mononucleosis, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney damage (nephrotic syndrome), or a parasite infection. Because IgM antibodies are the type that form when an infection occurs for the first time, high levels of IgM can indicate a new infection is present. High levels of IgM in a newborn usually indicate that the baby has an infection that started in the uterus before delivery. IgD. The role of IgD in the immune system is not well-understood. A high level may indicate IgD multiple myeloma. IgD multiple myeloma is much less common than IgA or IgG multiple myeloma. IgE. A high level of IgE can indicate a parasite infection. Also, high levels of IgE are found in people who have allergic reactions, asthma, atopic dermatitis, some types of cancer, and certain autoimmune diseases. In rare cases, a high level of IgE may indicate IgE multiple myeloma. Low values IgA. Low levels of IgA occur in some types of leukemia, kidney damage (nephrotic syndrome), a problem with the intestines (enteropathy), and a rare inherited disease that affects muscle coordination (ataxia-telangiectasia). Some people are born with low or absent levels of IgA antibodies, which increases their chances of developing an autoimmune disease. IgG. Low levels of IgG occur in macroglobulinemia. In this disease, the high levels of IgM antibodies suppress the growth of cells that produce IgG. Other conditions that can result in low levels of IgG include some types of leukemia and a type of kidney damage (nephrotic syndrome). On rare occasions, some people are born with a deficiency of IgG antibodies. These people are more susceptible to infections. IgM. Low levels of IgM occur in multiple myeloma, some types of leukemia, and in some inherited types of immune diseases. IgE. Low levels of IgE can occur in a rare inherited disease that affects muscle coordination (ataxia-telangiectasia). What Affects the Test Factors that can interfere with your test and the accuracy of the results include: Medications, such as hydralazine (Apresoline), phenylbutazone, birth control pills, anticonvulsants (such as phenytoin), methotrexate, aminophenazone, asparaginase, and corticosteroids. Cancer treatments, both radiation and chemotherapy. Receiving a blood transfusion within the past 6 months. Vaccinations (immunizations), especially vaccinations with repeat (booster) doses, given within the past 6 months. Using alcohol or illegal drugs. Having a radioactive scan within 3 days.

What To Think About Immunoglobulins are unique to different illnesses. For example, the IgM antibody for mononucleosis is different than the IgM for herpes. For this reason, a health professional can look for an immunoglobulin unique to a specific illness to help diagnose that illness. Different antibodies can be used to help a health professional distinguish between a new and past infection. For example, the presence of IgM antibodies for mononucleosis with or without IgG antibodies indicates a new infection, whereas IgG antibodies without IgM indicates a past infection. People with very low immunoglobulin levels (especially IgA, IgG, and IgM) have an increased risk of developing an infection. A very small number of people are unable to make IgA and are at increased risk for developing a potentially life-threatening reaction to transfused blood. Certain new forms of cancer treatment may try to stimulate the production of immunoglobulins to fight cancer cells. Many of these treatments are currently being researched. This test is often done when the results of a protein electrophoresis or total blood protein test are abnormal. For more information, see the medical tests Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE) and Total Serum Protein.
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