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Test ID IGG Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Serum

Useful For

Detecting or monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies and immune deficiencies

Method Name

Nephelometry

Reporting Name

Immunoglobulin G (IgG), S

Specimen Type

Serum

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Ambient  28 days
  Frozen  28 days

Clinical Information

The gamma globulin band as seen in conventional serum protein electrophoresis consists of 5 immunoglobulins. In normal serum, about 80% is immunoglobulin G (IgG).

 

Elevations of IgG may be due to polyclonal immunoglobulin production. Monoclonal elevations of IgG characterize multiple myeloma.

 

Monoclonal gammopathies of all types may lead to a spike in the gamma globulin zone seen on serum protein electrophoresis.

 

Decreased immunoglobulin levels are found in patients with congenital deficiencies.

Reference Values

0-<5 months: 100-334 mg/dL

5-<9 months: 164-588 mg/dL

9-<15 months: 246-904 mg/dL

15-<24 months: 313-1,170 mg/dL

2-<4 years: 295-1,156 mg/dL

4-<7 years: 386-1,470 mg/dL

7-<10 years: 462-1,682 mg/dL

10-<13 years: 503-1,719 mg/dL

13-<16 years: 509-1,580 mg/dL

16-<18 years: 487-1,327 mg/dL

≥18 years: 767-1,590 mg/dL

Cautions

Electrophoresis is usually required to interpret an elevated immunoglobulin class as polyclonal versus monoclonal. Immunofixation is usually required to characterize a monoclonal protein.

 

If there is a discrete M-peak, the monoclonal protein can be monitored with quantitative immunoglobulins. If immunoglobulin quantitation is used to monitor the size of a monoclonal protein which is contained in a back-ground of polyclonal immunoglobulins, however, changes in the immunoglobulin quantitation may reflect changes in the background immunoglobulins, and serum protein electrophoresis should therefore be used to monitor the monoclonal protein.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday; Continuously until 3 p.m.

Report Available

1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

82784

NY State Approved

Yes