Immunoglobulin M (IgM), Serum
Use
Immunoglobulins are produced by plasma cells as a humoral immune response to contact of the immune system by antigens. Quantitative determination of the immunoglobulins can provide important information on the humoral immune status. This test is useful for detecting or monitoring IgM monoclonal gammopathies and IgM-related immune deficiencies. Monoclonal immunoglobulin proliferations can be indicative of certain diseases such as plasmacytomas, Waldenstrom disease, and heavy-chain disease. An increase in IgM levels can occur in macroglobulinemia and various drug use.
Special Instructions
Serum samples must be centrifuged and aliquoted into a plastic vial. If not ordering electronically, a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request form should accompany the specimen.
Limitations
Electrophoresis is usually required to interpret an elevated immunoglobulin class as polyclonal versus monoclonal. Quantitation using nephelometric means may not be possible in lipemic sera due to light scattering properties. Changes in IgM quantitation may reflect changes in polyclonal immunoglobulins rather than monoclonal proteins; therefore, serum protein electrophoresis should be used to monitor the monoclonal protein.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Nephelometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2472-9
- 2472-9
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |