Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM)

There are three main immunoglobulin isotypes measured by the Immunology laboratory - IgG, IgA and IgM. n order deliver a cost effective service the departmental policy states that requests for immunoglobulins only should be made in the context of systemic inflammatory illnesses and immunodeficiency. Serum electrophoresis may be added at the validation stage if thought appropriate. We also recommend that requests for Serum Electrophoresis only are made if the identification or exclusion of a paraprotein in the serum (i.e. myeloma, MGUS, etc) is being investigated. Serum Immunoglobulin quantification is then only undertaken if a paraprotein is identified. It is recommended that a urine sample is provided to the laboratory WITH the serum sample to allow identification of free light chain (Bence Jones protein) in the urine if present