Immunoglobulin M (IgM) details
What Immunoglobulin M (IgM) shows
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the antibody class your immune system produces first when encountering a new infection, appearing within days and providing early, rapid protection before longer-lasting IgG antibodies develop over the following weeks. Elevated total IgM often indicates a recent or currently active infection, and IgM-specific antibody tests (for particular viruses or bacteria) are commonly used specifically for this reason — to identify infections that are recent rather than in the more distant past. Low total IgM can, less commonly, point toward an immune deficiency.
Tests that include Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
Immunoglobulin M (IgM Total) is the first antibody produced by the immune system in response to infection. Measuring total IgM helps assess recent or ongoing infections and evaluate immune system function.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) The antibody class your body produces first in response to a new infection. Elevated levels often indicate a recent or acute infection.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM Total) is the first antibody produced by the immune system in response to infection. Measuring total IgM helps assess recent or ongoing infections and evaluate immune system function.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) The antibody class your body produces first in response to a new infection. Elevated levels often indicate a recent or acute infection.
This test measures total IgG, IgA, and IgM. Elevated IgG, IgA, and/or IgM levels are seen in hypergammaglobulinemia, chronic inflammatory conditions, and lymphoproliferative diseases. Decreased levels are associated with hypogammaglobulinemia and immunodeficiency states.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) One of your main antibody classes, concentrated in mucous membranes (gut, respiratory tract). Low levels are linked to recurrent infections; also checked before certain other antibody tests, like celiac panels.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Your most abundant antibody class, providing long-term immune memory against past infections. Low levels can point to an immune deficiency.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) The antibody class your body produces first in response to a new infection. Elevated levels often indicate a recent or acute infection.
This test measures total IgG, IgA, and IgM. Elevated IgG, IgA, and/or IgM levels are seen in hypergammaglobulinemia, chronic inflammatory conditions, and lymphoproliferative diseases. Decreased levels are associated with hypogammaglobulinemia and immunodeficiency states.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) One of your main antibody classes, concentrated in mucous membranes (gut, respiratory tract). Low levels are linked to recurrent infections; also checked before certain other antibody tests, like celiac panels.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Your most abundant antibody class, providing long-term immune memory against past infections. Low levels can point to an immune deficiency.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) The antibody class your body produces first in response to a new infection. Elevated levels often indicate a recent or acute infection.
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