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Quantitative nephelometry test

Quantitative immunoglobulins

 

Quantitative nephelometry is a lab test to quickly and accurately measure levels of certain proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that help fight infection.

This test specifically measures the immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, and IgA.

How the Test is Performed

 

A blood sample is needed .

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

The test provides a rapid and accurate measurement of the amounts of the immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, and IgA.

 

Normal Results

 

Normal results for the 3 immunoglobulins are:

  • IgG: 560 to 1800 mg/dL
  • IgM: 45 to 250 mg/dL
  • IgA: 100 to 400 mg/dL

The examples above show the common measurements for these test results. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

An increased level of IgG may be due to:

  • Chronic infection or inflammation
  • Hyperimmunization (higher than normal number of specific antibodies)
  • IgG multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer)
  • Liver disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Decreased levels of IgG may be due to:

  • Agammaglobulinemia (very low levels of immunoglobulins, a very rare disorder)
  • Leukemia (blood cancer)
  • Multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer)
  • Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
  • Treatment with certain chemotherapy drugs

Increased levels of IgM may be due to:

  • Mononucleosis
  • Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph tissue)
  • Waldenström macroglobulinemia (cancer of the white blood cells)
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Decreased levels of IgM may be due to:

  • Agammaglobulinemia (very rare)
  • Leukemia
  • Multiple myeloma

Increased levels of IgA may be due to:

  • Chronic infections, especially of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn disease
  • Multiple myeloma

Decreased levels of IgA may be due to:

  • Agammaglobulinemia (very rare)
  • Hereditary IgA deficiency
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Gut disease that leads to protein loss

Other tests are needed to confirm or diagnose any of the conditions above.

 

Risks

 

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

 

 

Open References

References

Abraham R, Barnidge DR, Lanza IR. Assessment of proteins of the immune system. In: Rich RR, Fleisher TA, Shearer WT, Schroeder HW, Frew AJ, Weyand CM, eds. Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 93.

McPherson RA. Specific proteins. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 19.

 
  • Blood test

    Blood test - illustration

    Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

    Blood test

    illustration

    • Blood test

      Blood test - illustration

      Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

      Blood test

      illustration

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        Tests for Quantitative nephelometry test

         
         

        Review Date: 5/20/2016

        Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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