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IgM Total
Test CodeIGMT
Alias/See Also
IgM Total, IGMT, Immunoglobulin IgM
Preferred Specimen
Serum (Gold SST)
Minimum Volume
0.5 ml
Other Acceptable Specimens
Lithium Heparin (Light Green PST)
Specimen Stability
Specimens are stable up to 3 days when stored at 2°C to 8°C or for longer when stored at ≤ -20°C.
Report Available
24x7
Reference Range
Reference Range: 45-281 mg/dL
Clinical Significance
Immunoglobulin M is produced at earlier stages of B-cell development. In adult serum, it is the third most abundant immunoglobulin, usually accounting for 5% to 10% of total circulating immunoglobulins. Plasma cell malignancies may secrete monomeric IgM in addition to, or instead of, pentamers. In rare hyper-Immunoglobulin M syndromes, class switching to IgG and IgA is deficient. Affected patients have deficiency of IgG and IgA and increased susceptibility to infection. The spectrum of abnormalities in serum immunoglobulin concentrations is broad. Abnormal concentrations range from a virtual absence of one or more of the three major classes of immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) to polyclonal increases in one or more immunoglobulins. Measurement of immunoglobulin M aids in the diagnosis of abnormal protein metabolism and the body's lack of ability to resist infectious agents.
Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
