Monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) in serum/plasma
This test measures the level of a specific type of ganglioside (GM1) in your blood. Gangliosides are complex sugars found in cell membranes, and GM1 is particularly relevant in certain genetic and acquired conditions.
["GM1 levels may help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting nerve cells or lipid metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21574-9
- Short code
- CDT-MONO
- Synonyms
- CDT Monosialo/Tf MFr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.3
- Ref high
- 2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Capillary electrophoresis or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- CPT
- 82373
- SNOMED
- 440932008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, developmental delays in children, or if you have a family history of conditions linked to GM1 accumulation, such as certain forms of Gaucher disease or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN). It may also be used in research or specialized diagnostic settings.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required, but you may need to fast for a certain period if your blood is drawn during fasting. Bring your medical records or a list of medications to your appointment.
How the Test Works
A small sample of your blood (serum or plasma) is collected via a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed using a specialized laboratory technique to measure the concentration of GM1.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your clinical picture, symptoms, and other test results. Elevated levels may suggest certain genetic disorders or metabolic conditions, while normal levels help rule out these possibilities.
Reference range
Monosialotransferrin ratio: <1.3% (normal), 1.3-2.0% (indeterminate), >2.0% (consistent with congenital disorders of glycosylation type I); typically reported as a ratio relative to total transferrinN/A
No special preparation required. Recent blood transfusion may affect results. Avoid testing within 1-2 weeks of transfusion when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
GM1 Ganglioside
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect GM1 levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy