Total Serum IgG/IgA/IgM

Deficient antibody production may be either inherited or acquired:

• Inherited immunodeficiency is associated with rare genetic conditions and serious immune disorders. However, some patients with primary IgA deficiency (IgAD) are asymptomatic and are only identified after a laboratory result anomaly.

• Acquired immunodeficiency can occur as a result of an illness, especially those that cause a loss of protein in the body such as kidney disease or gastrointestinal disorders affecting protein absorption. Recurrent infections, chronic diarrhea, and the use of certain medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may also contribute to deficient antibody production.

Excessive antibody production may be either polyclonal (increase in any or all classes of immunoglobulins) or monoclonal (increase in one class with or without a decrease in other classes).

• Polyclonal increase may occur as a result of infections, autoimmune disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic inflammation, and hyperimmunization response.

• Monoclonal increase is associated with blood cell tumors such as multiple myeloma (affecting plasma cells) and lymphoma (affecting white blood cells).