The human body has a complicated and well developed immune system. The immune system is designed to fight against foreign objects, infections and diseases. This system works throughout the day and protects the body from a number of different conditions.
The immune system produces antibodies in response to various foreign objects. These antibodies are known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are highly specific and tend to attack the substance that they are designed to protect the body against. This is how the process of vaccination also takes place. Vaccination involves injecting small amounts of the disease into the individual’s body. This prompts the production of immunoglobulins which leads to the development of immunity.
There are five major types of immunoglobulins in the human body. These are types A, G, M, E and D. These immunoglobulins are identified as IgA, IgG and so on. An immunoglobulins test is used to determine whether the individual’s immune system is functioning properly. In many cases, an immunoglobulins test may be performed to check if the person has been or is currently affected by a disease. The logic behind this type of test is that the individual’s immune system will produce antibodies when it is faced with the disease. Therefore, the presence of the antibodies is proof enough that the individual has been exposed to the condition.
The immunoglobulins test is conducted as a standard blood test. There is no preparation required from the patient for the immunoglobulins test. The serum immunoglobulins test is conducted by collecting a sample of blood from a vein in the upper forearm. This blood is then sent to a laboratory where it will be analyzed using various equipments. In the laboratory, a qualitative and quantitative immunoglobulins test will be conducted. The qualitative immunoglobulins test is conducted to check for the presence of various antibodies in the blood. The quantitative immunoglobulins test is used to check the quantity of the antibodies that have been identified.
A quantitative immunoglobulins test is important because it can be used to understand the phase of the disease that is affecting the individual. If the individual has high levels of a particular antibody, it means that he or she is suffering from an acute phase of the condition. During such a phase, the body is fighting hard to rid itself of the condition.
The immunoglobulins blood test takes less than a minute to perform. The patient can return home immediately after the test. Slight drowsiness may be felt which is why the patient should be accompanied by someone.