Current as of: September 23, Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Immunoglobulins. Top of the page. Test Overview An immunoglobulins test is done to measure the level of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies , in your blood. The five major types of antibodies are: IgA.
IgA antibodies are found in areas of the body such the nose, breathing passages, digestive tract, ears, eyes, and vagina. IgA antibodies protect body surfaces that are exposed to outside foreign substances.
This type of antibody is also found in saliva, tears, and blood. A small number of people do not make IgA antibodies. IgG antibodies are found in all body fluids.
IgG antibodies are very important in fighting bacterial and viral infections. IgG antibodies are the only type of antibody that can cross the placenta in a pregnant woman to help protect her baby fetus. IgM antibodies are the largest antibody. They are found in blood and lymph fluid and are the first type of antibody made in response to an infection. They also cause other immune system cells to destroy foreign substances.
IgE antibodies are found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. They cause the body to react against foreign substances such as pollen, fungus spores, and animal dander. They are involved in allergic reactions to milk, some medicines, and some poisons.
IgE antibody levels are often high in people with allergies. IgD antibodies are found in small amounts in the tissues that line the belly or chest. How they work is not clear. Why It Is Done A test for immunoglobulins antibodies in the blood is done to: Find certain autoimmune diseases or allergies. Find certain types of cancer such as multiple myeloma or macroglobulinemia. See whether recurring infections are caused by a low level of immunoglobulins especially IgG.
Check the treatment for certain types of cancer affecting the bone marrow. Check the treatment for Helicobacter pylori H. Check the response to immunizations to see if you are immune to the disease. Check to see if you have an infection or have had it in the past. How To Prepare You do not need to do anything before you have this test. How It Is Done The health professional drawing blood will: Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood.
This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein. Clean the needle site with alcohol. Put the needle into the vein.
For example, the antibody for chickenpox isn't the same as the antibody for mononucleosis. Sometimes, the body may even mistakenly make antibodies against itself, treating healthy organs and tissues like foreign invaders. This is called an autoimmune disease. Doctors may check immunoglobulin levels to see if a person has an infection or is protected from getting an infection is immune to it. Doctors also use immunoglobulin tests to help diagnose immunodeficiencies when the immune system isn't working as it should.
Doctors may suspect an immunodeficiency in a child who gets a lot of infections or unusual infections. The tests might be done as part of an evaluation for allergies or autoimmune conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis , lupus , and celiac disease. Kids can eat and drink normally unless also getting other tests that require fasting beforehand. Tell your doctor about any medicines your child takes because some drugs might affect the test results. Wearing a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt for the test can make things easier for your child, and you also can bring along a toy or book as a distraction.
Most blood tests take a small amount of blood from a vein. To do that, a health professional will:. Sometimes immunoglobulin tests can be done with a "fingerstick" test.
The health professional will clean your child's finger, then prick the tip of it with a tiny needle or lancet to collect the blood. In babies, blood draws are sometimes done as a "heel stick collection.
Collecting a sample of blood is only temporarily uncomfortable and can feel like a quick pinprick. Parents usually can stay with their child during a blood test. Encourage your child to relax and stay still because tensing muscles can make it harder to draw blood.
Your child might want to look away when the needle is inserted and the blood is collected. Help your child to relax by taking slow deep breaths or singing a favorite song. On the day of the test, it may help to have your child wear a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt to allow easier access for the technician who will be drawing the blood. A health professional will usually draw the blood from a vein. For an infant, the blood may be obtained by puncturing the heel with a small needle lancet.
If the blood is being drawn from a vein, the skin surface is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band tourniquet is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the veins to swell with blood. A needle is inserted into a vein usually in the arm inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand and blood is withdrawn and collected in a vial or syringe.
After the procedure, the elastic band is removed. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed and the area is covered with cotton or a bandage to stop the bleeding. Collecting blood for this test will only take a few minutes.
Either method heel or vein withdrawal of collecting a sample of blood is only temporarily uncomfortable and can feel like a quick pinprick. Afterward, there may be some mild bruising, which should go away in a day or so. The blood sample will be processed by a machine. The results are commonly available within a few days. If results suggest any abnormality, the doctor will likely perform further tests. The immunoglobulin test is considered a safe procedure.
However, as with many medical tests, some problems can occur with having blood drawn, like:. Having a blood test is relatively painless. Still, many children are afraid of needles. Explaining the test in terms your child can understand might help ease some of the fear.
Allow your child to ask the technician any questions he or she might have. Tell your child to try to relax during the procedure, as tense muscles can make it harder and more painful to draw blood.
It also may help for your child to look away when the needle is being inserted into the skin. If you have questions about the immunoglobulin test, speak with your doctor. You also can talk to the technician before the procedure. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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