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Gamma Globulin Test - Gamma Globulin Tests, How to Perform Gamma Globulin Tests and Gamma Globulin Therapy
Gamma Globulin Test
A gamma globulin test is used to test the amount of immunoglobins in the blood. Immunoglobins are also called immune gamma globulins. Immunoglobins are antibodies that are produced by the body in response to foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and cancerous cells.
There are 5 different kinds of antibodies produced by the body, namely, IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE, and IgD. Each of these antibodies helps in protecting the body against specific infections and diseases. Low antibody levels can make the body susceptible to diseases.
- IgA antibodies help in protecting the parts of the body that are exposed to the environment. They are found in the nose, ears, eyes, digestive tract, and vagina.
- IgG antibodies help in fighting bacterial and viral infections. These antibodies are found in body fluids.
- IgM antibodies are found in the blood and lymph fluids. They are produced by the body in response to an infection and help the immune system to fight an infection.
- IgE antibodies help in fighting foreign substances such as pollen and spores. They are found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes.
- IgD antibodies are found in tissues that line the chest and the belly. It is found in a very small percentage, and the exact function of this antibody is yet to be understood well.
How to Perform Gamma Globulin Test
The gamma globulin test is a blood test. There is no preparation required for this test. To perform this test, a sample of the blood is collected from the vein in the upper arm. The health care professional ties a band around the upper arm to restrict the flow of blood and then injects a vein in the arm to collect the sample. After collection of the sample, the area being pricked is pressed with a cotton swab dipped in an antiseptic spirit.
The results of an immunoglobin test are available in a few days and normal values are as follows:
IgA: 85 – 385 mg/Dl
IgG: 565 – 1765 mg/Dl
IgM: 55 – 375 mg/Dl
IgD: 8 mg/Dl or lesser
IgE: 4.2 – 592 mg/Dl
Reading Gamma Globulin Test Values
High and low values are not normal and can be an indication of an underlying condition. High IgA values may be an indication of multiple myeloma, liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. Low IgA values may be an indication of kidney damage, certain types of leukemia, and enteropathy.
High IgG values may be an indication of AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and chronic hepatitis. Low IgG values may be an indication of macroglobulinemia, nephrotic syndrome, and certain types of leukemia.
High IgM values may be an indication of macroglobulinemia, viral hepatitis, kidney damage, mononucleosis, parasite infections, and kidney damage. Low IgM values may be an indication of multiple myeloma, some types of leukemia, and inherited immune diseases.
High IgE values may be an indication of asthma, parasite infections, and atopic dermatitis. While low IgE values are an indication of a disease called ataxia-telangiectasia. This is a rare disease, which affects muscle movement.
Gamma globulin therapy
It has been proven that gamma globulin extracted from multiple individuals can be used to treat infections. This method is called as the gamma globulin therapy. The procedure involves intravenous injection of gamma globulin into a vein or a muscle.
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