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IgG Test

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What is an IgG Test?

MVSAT 2024

Immunoglobulins do play a vital role in the immune system of a person. They are considered proteins that some specific immune cells, named plasma cells, produce by responding to viruses, bacteria besides other microorganisms, and exposures to various other substances that a human body recognizes as “non-self” dangerous antigens. This test does measure the presence of immunoglobulins, IgA, IgG, IgM in a person’s blood, and in some situations in CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) or saliva. 


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An IgG test does measure the level of kinds of antibodies present in the blood. Your body makes various immunoglobulins or antibodies for combating various things. For instance, a person’s antibody for chickenpox is different from the antibody needed for mononucleosis. At times, a person’s body might make antibodies mistakenly against itself to treat healthy organs and some tissues, such as foreign invaders. It is known as an autoimmune disease.

What are the kinds of antibodies?

Some kinds of antibodies are as follows:

  • Immunoglobulin A or IgA – This is present in people’s digestive system and respiratory tract linings besides tears, breast milk, and saliva.

  • Immunoglobulin G or IgG – The IgG full form is Immunoglobulin G is considered the most ordinary antibody that remains present in various body fluids and blood. It protects the human body against viral and bacterial infections. IgG does take time to form after immunization or infection.

  • Immunoglobulin D or IgD – IgD is the least understood antibody, and it is present in only small amounts in a person’s blood.

  • Immunoglobulin E or IgE – IgE is commonly present in a person’s blood in small amounts. At times, there might be higher amounts too if the body does overreact to allergens or when it is fighting an infection caused by a parasite.

  • Immunoglobulin M or IgM – IgM is commonly found in lymph fluid and blood, and it is considered the first antibody that your body makes at the time of fighting a fresh infection.

What are IgG antibodies?

The IgG antibodies test against coronavirus checks the presence of some antibodies to the novel coronavirus named SARS CoV-2 present in the blood. When a person tests positive in an IgG antibody test, then it symbolizes that the person was exposed to this virus previously. However, it doesn’t indicate that the person has got this infection currently.


The importance of getting the Covid IgG antibody test 

The physician might suggest getting an IgG antibody test done to check whether or not the person’s immune system or the defense of the body against illness has responded well to the infection of Covid-19. This is a blood test that is capable of detecting whether a person has got an antibody to SARS-CoV-2. This virus remains responsible for causing COVID-19. The antibody test for COVID-19 is helpful in identifying people who might have been contracted with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test also helps people who have recovered from the infection of COVID-19.


The significance of the Rubella Blood Test

A rubella blood test is helpful in detecting antibodies that a person’s immune system has made for killing the rubella virus. The presence of any antibody means a previous infection, a recent infection, or that the person has got vaccinated against a specific disease. The important thing is these antibodies remain present in a person’s bloodstream for many years.


Rubella is also known as 3-day measles or German measles, and commonly, it doesn’t give rise to long-term problems. However, if a woman during her pregnancy gets infected with this virus, then she can transmit this disease to the fetus or her baby. Some severe birth defects known as CRS (congenital rubella syndrome) can form, particularly at the time of the 1st trimester. 


Some birth defects of congenital rubella syndrome comprise eye problems and cataracts, heart disease, and hearing impairment. Again, stillbirth and miscarriage too are some probable results for a pregnant woman. The vaccination for preventing rubella shields against these issues.


Commonly, a rubella test is done for women who want to become pregnant to determine whether or not she happens to be in danger of rubella. A few laboratory processes are utilized for detecting the presence of rubella antibodies present in the blood, and the most commonly utilized method is known as the ELISA or EIA or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


Hopefully, this article successfully explained to you all about the IGG test. 

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FAQs on IgG Test

1. What are the classes of immunoglobulin disorder?

Commonly, immunoglobulin disorders are classed as:


Immunoglobulin Excess

  • Polyclonal - This is an Ig excess in some or all immunoglobulin classes that come from several immune cells.

  • Monoclonal - This is the excess immunoglobulins that arrive from the clones of only one plasma cell.


The Deficiency of Immunoglobulin

  • Secondary or Acquired - A highly common deficiency of Ig is caused by some underlying condition.

  • Primary or Inherited - The primary deficiency of immunoglobulin is caused by some rare disorders where the body fails to create one or more than one class of immunoglobulin.

This test is ordered with others, like a urine protein electrophoresis, for diagnosing or monitoring some conditions that are linked with excessive or abnormal immunoglobulin production. If this turns into the case, then a urine sample is collected besides blood.

2. Difference Between IgG and IgM from an IgA Antibody Test?

Both IgM and IgA are considered earlier indicators for some viral exposure, and they help in diagnosing COVID-19. Commonly, they take around 3-7 days to form after initial exposure. Contrarily, IgG commonly takes around 10-14 days to form after initial exposure. It might indicate earlier infection, too, which might be solved or is continuing to be solved. Both IgG IgM tests are different from one another. IgG will propose insights into a person’s previous exposure to Coronavirus and the probability of protective immunity. This finally helps in recognizing people who might be capable of resuming work beside other regular activities.

3. When do People Opt for an Immunoglobulin Test?

An immunoglobulin test is ordered if a person gets some symptoms of the immunoglobulin deficiency, like recurrent infections, particularly related to the respiratory tracts like lungs or sinus. A person also turns into an ideal candidate if he suffers from some issues in the digestive system like intestines or stomach or chronic diarrhea. An immunoglobulin test is ordered if a person has got some signs of chronic infection or chronic inflammation and when some healthcare practitioner guesses abnormal or excessive production of immunoglobulin. This test is ordered periodically for monitoring the course of the condition of a person. This test might be performed on CSF or cerebrospinal fluid when a healthcare practitioner thinks that a condition that is affecting a person’s CNS (central nervous system) is linked with excessive production of immunoglobulin.


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