What is tested in an IGM Quant test?

The IGM Quant test specifically measures the levels of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the blood. IgM is one of the five classes of immunoglobulins produced by the immune system. It is usually the first antibody produced in response to an infection and plays a critical role in the early stages of the immune response.

Testing for IgM can help diagnose various conditions, particularly acute infections, and it is useful in determining whether an individual is experiencing a recent infection. The ability of the test to quantify IgM levels allows healthcare professionals to assess the extent of an immune response, which can be crucial for treatment decisions.

Understanding the role of IgM in the immune system highlights why this specific immunoglobulin is the focus of the IGM Quant test, differentiating it from the other immunoglobulins such as IgA, IgE, and IgG, which serve different functions in the body's immune response.