IgG Subclasses Panel

IgG is an antibody protein produced by the immune system to fight infections and provide long-term immunity. When measured in body fluids like serum or plasma, peritoneal fluid, or pleural fluid, IgG levels help evaluate immune response and identify infections or inflammatory conditions in specific body compartments. Elevated IgG in these fluids may indicate chronic infection, autoimmune disease, or immune system dysfunction.

This test detects IgG antibodies against Echinococcus, a parasitic tapeworm that causes echinococcosis, a serious infection from ingesting contaminated food or water. The parasites form cysts in organs like the liver, lungs, or brain, potentially causing organ damage. IgG antibodies indicate past or current infection. This test is particularly important in endemic regions and for travelers with exposure risk. Diagnosis guides surgical or medical treatment.

This test detects IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in serum or plasma, indicating acute or recent Lyme disease infection. IgM antibodies typically appear within 1-2 weeks of a tick bite and peak around 3-6 weeks. A positive result in the appropriate clinical context (erythema migrans rash, tick exposure, endemic area) supports early Lyme disease diagnosis. Testing follows the CDC-recommended two-tier protocol: initial ELISA screening followed by confirmatory Western blot. IgM results should be interpreted cautiously after 30 days of symptoms, as persistent IgM alone may represent a false positive.

This test detects IgG antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear proteins, indicating past or current EBV infection. EBV causes mononucleosis and is one of the most common human viruses. A positive result shows you've been exposed to EBV; the titer level can help determine if infection is recent or past. Most adults carry EBV; it typically causes no ongoing problems but can reactivate under stress or immunosuppression.

HDL-2 is a specific subtype of 'good' cholesterol that is particularly protective against heart disease. This specialized test uses ultracentrifugation to isolate and measure HDL-2 cholesterol specifically. Higher HDL-2 levels are associated with better cardiovascular health and lower risk of heart attack and stroke. While standard cholesterol panels measure total HDL, this advanced test provides more detailed information about HDL quality, helping clinicians assess detailed cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic concerns or significant family histories of heart disease.

This panel detects three types of antibodies (IgA, IgG, and IgM) against Candida albicans, a yeast that normally lives on skin and in the digestive tract. Different antibody types indicate different stages of infection: IgM suggests recent or acute infection, IgG suggests past or chronic exposure, and IgA suggests mucosal exposure. Elevated levels may indicate candida overgrowth, yeast infections, or systemic candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

This test detects early IgG antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. EBV is a common virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. The presence of EBV antibodies in CSF suggests viral infection affecting the central nervous system, which is uncommon but serious. This test helps diagnose EBV-related meningitis or encephalitis.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes respiratory infections, commonly known as 'walking pneumonia.' This test detects the presence of the organism in respiratory specimens such as sputum or throat swabs. A positive result indicates active infection and helps guide appropriate antibiotic treatment. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are often mild but can cause persistent cough, fever, and fatigue lasting weeks to months.

This test detects IgG antibodies to herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) in serum or plasma. IgG antibodies indicate past or ongoing HSV-2 infection and typically develop within 2-12 weeks after initial exposure. A positive result confirms prior HSV-2 exposure, though it does not distinguish between active and latent infection. Type-specific glycoprotein G-based assays are recommended for accurate differentiation from HSV-1. This test is useful for confirming genital herpes in patients with atypical presentations and for screening sexual partners of known HSV-2-positive individuals.

Smooth muscle actin antibodies (SMA) are autoantibodies your immune system produces against smooth muscle tissue in your body. These antibodies are strongly associated with autoimmune hepatitis, a serious liver inflammation condition. Elevated SMA indicates your immune system is attacking liver cells. This test is typically ordered when liver enzyme abnormalities are detected. Positive results typically require treatment with immunosuppressive medications to prevent liver damage and cirrhosis.

This is a broad viral identification test using electron microscopy to visually detect and identify viruses in clinical specimens. Electron microscopy allows direct visualization of viral particles, enabling identification of various virus types. Results depend on the specimen type and the virus present. This test is used when other methods cannot identify a pathogen or when rapid viral identification is needed. Positive results confirm viral infection and guide treatment and infection control measures.

This test measures antibodies (IgA and IgG) against tissue transglutaminase (tTG), a protein involved in celiac disease. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks this protein, producing these antibodies. Elevated levels are highly suggestive of celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. This is the primary screening test for celiac disease and helps confirm diagnosis in those with symptoms like digestive issues, fatigue, or nutrient deficiencies.

This test screens for Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through tick bites. It detects IgM antibodies (early infection) and IgG antibodies (past or recent infection). If positive, the test automatically 'reflex' to an immune blot panel for confirmation, which is more specific. This two-step approach reduces false positives. Early Lyme disease causes flu-like symptoms and a distinctive rash, while late disease can affect joints, heart, and nerves. Diagnosis and early treatment are important.

Qualitative detection of IgG antibodies against Borrelia afzelii, B burgdorferi, and B garinii species in human serum. This test does not differentiate between the Borrelia species. This term was created for, but not limited in use to, the Borrelia ViraStripe IgG assay, which uses native, purified antigens immobilized on a test strip to which patient antibodies, if present, will bind. Various manufacturers label this method as an immunoblot technique. LOINC uses the immunoblot (IB) method to mean that some electrophoretic/chromatographic separation occurs such that position (size) of the band is part of the laboratory assessment (as in Western blot). Because this assay does not involve a separation step but rather uses strips with pre-fixed antigens, the LOINC Method is Line blot.

IgA is an antibody (immunoglobulin) that plays a key role in immune defense, especially at mucous membranes like those in the gut and respiratory tract. IgA subclass 2 is one of two subtypes of IgA (the other being subclass 1). Low IgA subclass 2 levels can indicate immune system dysfunction or certain infections. This test is sometimes used to evaluate recurrent infections, gastrointestinal problems, or immunodeficiency disorders. IgA subclass deficiency may affect your ability to fight infections at mucosal surfaces, though the clinical significance can vary.

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies are markers of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. When people with celiac disease eat gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye), their immune system produces antibodies against tTG, damaging the small intestine. This antibody panel test typically includes IgA anti-tTG and/or IgG anti-tTG. A positive result suggests celiac disease and should be confirmed with intestinal biopsy. This test is essential for diagnosing celiac disease before it causes complications like nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, or increased cancer risk.

This test detects IgG antibodies against baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in your blood. While baker's yeast is common in foods like bread, elevated antibodies may indicate an atypical immune response. This test is sometimes used in the evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), where immune dysregulation occurs. Positive results may suggest intestinal inflammation or altered gut immune function. However, this test is not diagnostic on its own and must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and other findings.

This test detects IgG antibodies against Candida albicans, a common yeast organism. IgG antibodies indicate past or chronic exposure to Candida, not acute infection. Elevated levels may suggest chronic candidiasis, intestinal overgrowth, or systemic yeast infection, though interpretation is complex and controversial. In healthy people, IgG presence is normal due to environmental exposure. This test is sometimes ordered for suspected chronic yeast infections or immune dysfunction. However, a positive IgG result alone does not diagnose disease—clinical symptoms and additional testing are essential for diagnosis.

This test detects Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. EBV antibodies in CSF indicate the virus has infected the central nervous system, suggesting conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, or post-viral neurological complications. This test is performed when patients have neurological symptoms and suspected EBV involvement. A positive result in CSF is more significant than in blood and indicates serious CNS infection requiring urgent evaluation.

This test measures IgA antibodies against Candida albicans, a common fungus that normally inhabits your body. Elevated IgA levels suggest an immune response to Candida overgrowth or mucosal infection. IgA antibodies are particularly important at mucosal surfaces (mouth, gut, respiratory tract). Positive results may indicate oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, or intestinal Candida overgrowth, helping identify fungal infections that require treatment.

This test measures IgM antibodies against Candida albicans, which are produced early in response to fungal infection. IgM antibodies indicate recent or acute infection, making this test useful for distinguishing new Candida infections from chronic or past exposures. Elevated IgM levels suggest your body is actively fighting a Candida infection, helping determine if antifungal treatment is needed and monitoring treatment response.

This test measures cholesterol specifically within HDL-3, a subclass of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is often called 'good cholesterol' because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries. HDL-3 is smaller and denser than HDL-2, and higher HDL-3 cholesterol levels are associated with better cardiovascular protection. This detailed lipoprotein analysis helps assess your cardiovascular risk more precisely than standard cholesterol testing.

This test measures IgA antibodies against gliadin, a protein component of gluten. Your immune system produces these antibodies when exposed to gluten in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Elevated levels suggest an immune reaction to gluten in wheat, barley, and rye. This test helps diagnose celiac disease and monitor adherence to a gluten-free diet in diagnosed individuals.

This test detects IgG antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), indicating current or past infection. HSV-1 causes cold sores and can also infect the eyes, skin, and nervous system. IgG antibodies mean you've been exposed to the virus at some point; they typically remain for life even after the infection resolves. A positive result shows immunity from prior exposure but doesn't mean you're currently contagious. This test helps assess infection history and immunity status.

Beta-2 glycoprotein 1 (β2GP1) IgG antibodies are immune proteins associated with antiphospholipid syndrome, an autoimmune condition characterized by abnormal blood clotting. Elevated IgG antibodies to β2GP1 suggest an ongoing immune response against this protein, indicating possible antiphospholipid syndrome. This condition significantly increases risk of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and recurrent miscarriage. IgG testing is the most clinically significant of the three antibody types.

This test detects antibodies (IgA and IgG) against gliadin and tissue transglutaminase, key markers for celiac disease screening. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks intestinal tissue and produces these antibodies. A positive result strongly suggests celiac disease and warrants further testing with small intestinal biopsy for confirmation. Early detection is important because untreated celiac disease can cause intestinal damage, nutrient malabsorption, and long-term complications including osteoporosis and increased infection risk.

This test detects IgG antibodies against smooth muscle actin, a protein found in smooth muscle tissue. Positive results suggest autoimmune liver disease, particularly autoimmune hepatitis. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, causing inflammation and potential cirrhosis if untreated. This antibody is relatively specific for autoimmune hepatitis and helps distinguish it from other liver diseases. Early diagnosis is crucial because immunosuppressive therapy can effectively manage the condition and prevent liver damage.