Total Immunoglobulins
Performed by: Vibrant America
The Total Immunoglobulins panel measures four major antibody classes—IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE—to provide a comprehensive overview of immune system activity and balance. These antibodies play distinct but complementary roles in infection defense, immune memory, mucosal protection, and allergic responses.
Evaluating immunoglobulin levels helps identify immune deficiencies, chronic or recurrent infections, autoimmune conditions, allergic disease, and abnormal immune activation. This panel is particularly useful for individuals experiencing frequent infections, unexplained inflammation, allergy-related symptoms, or those undergoing immunosuppressive or immune-modulating therapies.
IgG (Immunoglobulin G)
What it measures
IgG is the most abundant antibody in the bloodstream and is central to long-term immune protection. It is produced after initial exposure to an infection and remains in circulation to provide immune memory and lasting defense.
High IgG levels may indicate
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Chronic or persistent infections (e.g., hepatitis, HIV)
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Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
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Chronic immune activation
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Plasma cell disorders (e.g., multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathies)
Low IgG levels may indicate
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Primary or secondary immunodeficiency (e.g., Common Variable Immunodeficiency)
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Reduced immune resilience
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Malnutrition or impaired protein synthesis
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Protein-losing conditions (e.g., nephrotic syndrome)
Why it matters
Low IgG levels are associated with increased susceptibility to infections, while elevated IgG can signal ongoing immune stimulation, autoimmune activity, or hematologic disease.
IgA (Immunoglobulin A)
What it measures
IgA is the primary antibody found in mucosal tissues and secretions, including the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, saliva, and breast milk. It plays a critical role in defending against pathogens at entry points into the body.
High IgA levels may indicate
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Chronic liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis)
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Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
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Autoimmune conditions (e.g., celiac disease, lupus)
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Chronic mucosal immune activation
Low IgA levels may indicate
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Selective IgA deficiency (the most common primary immunodeficiency)
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Increased vulnerability to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections
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Food sensitivities or gut barrier dysfunction in some individuals
Why it matters
Abnormal IgA levels can impair mucosal immune defense and are often linked to gut, respiratory, or autoimmune conditions.
IgM (Immunoglobulin M)
What it measures
IgM is the first antibody produced during an initial immune response. It serves as an early defense against infections before more specialized antibodies, such as IgG, are generated.
High IgM levels may indicate
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Acute or recent infections
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Early-stage immune responses
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Certain autoimmune conditions (e.g., primary biliary cholangitis)
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Plasma cell disorders (e.g., Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia)
Low IgM levels may indicate
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Immunodeficiency
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Bone marrow suppression
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Genetic immune disorders
Why it matters
IgM helps distinguish early or active immune responses from long-standing or resolved infections and provides insight into immune system responsiveness.
IgE (Immunoglobulin E)
What it measures
IgE is involved in allergic reactions and parasitic defense. It binds to allergens and triggers the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells and basophils.
High IgE levels may indicate
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Allergic conditions (e.g., food allergies, pollen, dust mites)
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Asthma
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Eczema or atopic dermatitis
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Parasitic infections
Low IgE levels
Low IgE is generally not clinically significant on its own but may be interpreted in the context of other immune markers.
Why it matters
Elevated IgE is a key marker of allergic disease and can help guide evaluation and management of asthma, eczema, and hypersensitivity reactions.
Clinical Value of the Panel
Together, IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE provide a broad and integrated view of immune function, helping clinicians and individuals understand immune strength, immune regulation, and potential sources of dysfunction. Interpreting these markers collectively—rather than in isolation—offers deeper insight into immune health and disease risk.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
What is Total IgA? Total IgA measures the concentration of Immunoglobulin A in the blood, an antibody that plays a crucial role in immune defense—particularly in the mucous membranes of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tract
Learn moreWhat is Total IgG? Total IgG measures the concentration of Immunoglobulin G, the most abundant antibody in the bloodstream. IgG plays a central role in long-term immune protection by recognizing and neutralizing viruses, bacteria, and other foreig
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