Immunoglobulin M, Quantitative, Blood (Serum)

Immunoglobulins are special proteins that the body makes in order to fight foreign particles and infections. All antibodies are immunoglobulins. There are different types of immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is one of the largest immunoglobulins in the body and is found mostly in the blood. IgM is typically the first immunoglobulin to be secreted in response to bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic diseases or infections. Its levels dwindle after a few weeks, after which IgG takes over the immune function of IgM. This test measures the amount of IgM in the blood and is used to determine current and active disease.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• To determine current and active disease for bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections.

Also Known As: Antibody M, IgM Serum