what is a immunoglobilin blood test for?

[DOBEY 1]

My doc took a blood sample for this test but neglected to tell me what it is
for. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[JerryCam22]

Hi,
Testing for immunoglobulins (Igs) usually means they are looking at the total
amount of Ig, broken down by class (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgM, IgG). A more
specialized test looks at the amounts of IgG subtypes (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4).
Testing for total Ig will show a major immune system dysfunction, either
deficiency (low), high, or unbalanced. It can indicate severe infections,
lymphoma, severe allergies.
Testing for subtypes can show a low amount or lack of one of the 4 IgG
subclasses (which is found in a subset of PWCs), or more rarely an increase in
one subtype (usually but not always from a lymphoma).

Typical results from PWCs show a normal or low-normal total Ig, normal
distribution of Ig classes or possibly elevated IgEs (allergy associated), and
often one or two subtypes of IgG low or missing.

jerry
"Often we have no time for our friends but all the time in the world for our
enemies."

(Leon Uris)