Igm - Immune Disorders Message Board

Winnieie · 01-18-2006, 02:49 PM

HI. I was hoping somebody could tell lme what the quantitative IGM test was. I don't mean the test for something specific, for, say the IGM for the epstien barr virus, or rumatoid arthritis, I mean a test called quantitiative immunoglubumin, which tests IGA, IGM, IGG without being specific for something. I cant find it on the internet anywhere and nobobdy can explain it to me. My doctor told me over the phone, and didnt say it ina way to make sense to a lay person. Actaully he didnt say much at all.

Les44 · 01-18-2006, 06:49 PM

I had the test done last February and going again next week. I'm certainly no lab tech or doctor and advise you not to do too much digging into this as I know great care goes into interpreting these results. IgM and IgG are 2 types of antibodies found in your blood so your doc may suspect an infection or a type of blood disorder, ie anemia. The test apparently quantifies the amount of antibodies as a certain amount is resident in almost everyone's blood. I do know it does take longer to process the IgM/IgG tests so be patient. I usually have to go for this particular blood test 7-10 days before seeing the doctor. If you have more than the normal amount of antibodies you will likely be referred to a haemotologist for followup.

Les

sew4you2 · 01-20-2006, 09:50 PM

I am not sure what you are looking for. There is both hyper IGM and selective IgM defiencey. As I understand low IgM is usually a result of something often cancer. When there is no cause, but it just is just low, it is unsual. I think there is only one good article to be found according to my doctor.
I have this condition. After much testing to rule out all posible causes the doctors advise that all infections be treated aggressively. I do see the specialist about every 6 months just to keep track of the IgM levels.

Apparently this is a very rare condition. It is not fatal.

janet