What is the Serum IgM Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is the IgM test?
It measures the amount of IgM antibodies in the blood.
Also Read: IgA Test
What are immunoglobulins?
These are the type of proteins that act like an antibody to help the body fight against the infection. They are part of the immune system.
What is immunoglobulin M?
It is one of the immunoglobulins in the blood and lymphatic fluid. IgM is a first-line defence of our immune system. It is the first antibody produced by the body in response to the infection. IgM antibody is also known as the body’s natural antibody because it doesn’t require prior immunization. It immediately reacts to the antigen and fights against it.
When should I get this test done?
It is done to check the initial stage of infection. It helps in the diagnosis of some acute infections like allergies, CMV, EBV, hepatitis, HIV, measles, and rubella.
Also, if you’re having any of the following symptoms, you should get your IgM test done:
- Recurrent infections like sinusitis, pneumonia
- Gastrointestinal infections
What is the normal range of IgM?
The units of measurement are g/l.
The normal range of IgM is 0.4 – 2.5 g/l.
What does positive IgM mean?
It means your IgM serum level is higher than the normal range. It indicates you may have recently been infected or vaccinated and your immune system has generated a reaction towards these antigens. The causes can be:
- Gastrointestinal problem
- Autoimmune disease (e.g., celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Allergies
- Infections (viral or bacterial)
- Kidney diseases
- Hyper Immunoglobulin M syndrome (HIGM) – immunodeficiency disorders
What does low IgM mean?
It means your immune system is not working properly and you’re more prone to have recurrent infections. It could be because of:
- Inherited Selective Immunoglobulin M deficiency
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome – a rare immune deficiency disorder
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases like Celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoid nodular hyperplasia
