Immunoglobulins

[ciderman]

I recently had a blood test and the only thing out of normal was my IgM level. It is low at .3g/l, normal range being .5 to 2 g/l. I am well, 68 years old and don't know whether I should be concerned or not.

[salamanderal]

Hi

I'm a hospital Doctor in the UK. Immunoglobulins are part of your immune system and whenever people have blood tests done there's always a small chance that you can get an abnormal result through sampling error even if there is nothing wrong with you. The question is are you well or do you have recurring infections?

I'm sure that if you have this checked again in the near future it will be within the normal range. Have a chat with your GP if you still have any concerns and get it checked again. Hope that helps.

[ciderman]

Thanks Salamandaral,


I had the blood test as a result of a skin rash on my lower legs after playing golf in shorts. It went in 24 hours but it was not the first time it had occurred so I went to see the doc. I am well, get less illnesses than most and have no other symptoms. I have had friends whose immune system has been damaged through (allegedly) toxic air so I was a bit concerned when I learned that it had to do with the immune system. I am due to talk to my GP again in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the heads up.

[obgraham]

It's like Salamander says. Normal values for most tests are set at what 2 standard deviations of normal people will fall into. Or 95%.

So 5% of normal folks fall out of the range. Run 20 tests and the odds are something will be out of range.

Don't treat lab tests, treat people. Repeat it if you wish, but if you are well, not to worry.

[ciderman]

Thanks Obgraham for that. Very re-assuring. I'll see what my GP says when I talk to her.

[gingernut]

Avoid blood tests.