Immunoglobulin Disorders

Causes & Risk Factors

Abnormal immunoglobulin levels can result from several underlying categories of condition:

•  Primary immunodeficiency — inherited conditions affecting antibody production from birth.

•  Secondary causes — including certain medications (particularly some immunosuppressive drugs), protein loss (such as through the kidneys or gut), or underlying malignancy affecting antibody-producing cells.

•  Chronic liver disease — can be associated with altered immunoglobulin patterns.

•  Autoimmune conditions — may be associated with altered immunoglobulin levels as part of the broader immune dysregulation.

•  Immunoproliferative disorders — conditions involving abnormal, excessive production of a specific immunoglobulin type.

Symptoms & When to Test

Immunoglobulin disorders often come to attention through a pattern of infections or incidental laboratory findings, rather than a single specific symptom.

•  Recurrent infections, particularly bacterial infections

•  Infections that are unusually severe or slow to resolve

•  Poor response to standard infection treatment

•  Unexplained fatigue or general unwellness in some cases

•  Incidental findings on other blood tests prompting further evaluation

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing is generally appropriate when there is a pattern of recurrent or unusual infections, an unexplained finding on prior blood testing suggestive of an immunoglobulin abnormality, or as part of a broader work-up for suspected immune dysfunction.

Why Tests Are Combined

Quantitative testing of IgG, IgA, and IgM together provides a foundational picture of antibody-mediated immunity, since a deficiency can selectively affect one, two, or all three of these main immunoglobulin classes, each with different clinical implications.

IgG subclass testing and specific antibody assessment are added when total immunoglobulin levels are normal but clinical suspicion for antibody deficiency remains, since some antibody deficiencies are subtle and only detectable through more targeted testing.

The combination of quantitative immunoglobulins with clinical infection history allows your doctor to distinguish between different patterns of immune dysfunction, which is important for both diagnosis and determining whether specialist immunology referral is needed.

Tests Available at NPL

Most allergy and immunology blood tests do not require fasting. However, some tests ordered at the same time may have specific preparation requirements. Please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Immunoglobulin Disorders blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO15189:2012laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Recurrent bacterial infections

•  Infections that are unusually severe or slow to resolve

•  Poor response to standard infection treatment

•  A family history of primary immunodeficiency

•  An abnormal immunoglobulin result on prior testing requiring further evaluation