Laboratory Investigation of Immunoglobulin Abnormalities

The clinical value of qualitative and quantitative laboratory investigations of immunoglobulins is now well recognized. The essential measurement of the major immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) in the diagnosis and monitoring of both primary and secondary antibody deficiency diseases is well established and in addition many diseases are associated with a characteristic pattern of immunoglobulin increases. The quantitation of both total and specific IgE also has an important role in the investigation of atopic disease.

Electrophoresis of serum and urine is essential in the diagnosis of paraproteinaemia and quantitation of immunoglobulins and paraprotein is helpful in assessing the significance of paraproteinaemia both at diagnosis and in follow-up studies.

The quantitative estimation of IgG, to determine intrathecal synthesis, and the presence of oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid constitute important aids in the diagnosis of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.