Quantitative nephelometry
Alternative Names: Quantitative immunoglobulins
Quantitative nephelometry is a test to quickly and accurately measure the specific level of certain proteins called immunoglobulins in your blood. Specifically, it looks for the proteins IgM, IgG, and IgA.
Why is the Test Performed?
The test provides a rapid and accurate measurement of the amounts of the immunoglobulins M, G, and A.
How is the Test Performed?
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
Preparation for the Test
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test.
How will the Test Feel?
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Quantitative nephelometry Risks
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Considerations
Nephelometry determines the total amount of each immunoglobulin but cannot distinguish specific antibodies. Other tests such as immunoelectrophoresis or immunofixation can be used to make these distinctions.
Normal Results for Quantitative nephelometry
- IgG: 560 to 1800 mg/dL
- IgM: 45 to 250 mg/dL
- IgA: 100 to 400 mg/dL
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Increased levels of IgG may indicate the following:
- Chronic infection or inflammation
- Hyperimmunization
- IgG multiple myeloma
- Liver disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Decreased levels of IgG may indicate the following:
- Agammaglobulinemia (very rare)
- Leukemia
- Myeloma
- Preeclampsia
Increased levels of IgM may indicate the following:
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Lymphoma
- Macroglobulinemia
- Myeloma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Decreased levels of IgM may indicate the following:
- Agammaglobulinemia (very rare)
- Leukemia
- Myeloma
Increased levels of IgA may indicate the following:
- Chronic infections, especially involving the gastrointestinal tract
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Myeloma
Decreased levels of IgA may indicate the following:
- Agammaglobulinemia (very rare)
- Hereditary IgA deficiency
- Myeloma
- Protein-losing gastroenteropathy
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Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2012 A.D.A.M., Inc.
