Monosialoganglioside (GM1) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the amount 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 inherited metabolic disorders.
["GM1 levels help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting lipid metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13095-5
- Short code
- Deprecated GM1 Monosialo IgA SerPl
- Synonyms
- Deprecated GM1 Monosialo IgA SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of a rare genetic disorder, such as GM1 gangliosidosis (a group of lysosomal storage diseases). It may also be used in research or specialized diagnostic settings for inherited metabolic conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Measures
GM1 is a type of glycolipid (a sugar-lipid molecule) found in high concentrations in certain tissues, including the brain and nervous system. Elevated levels in blood can indicate genetic disorders that disrupt normal metabolism of these molecules.
How the Results Are Interpreted
Results are usually reported as a concentration (e.g., mass concentration in mg/dL or similar units). Your provider will compare these results to a reference range specific to your lab and medical context, as normal values can vary by age, health status, and other factors.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormally high GM1 levels in blood are strongly associated with GM1 gangliosidosis, a group of inherited disorders caused by mutations in the *GLB1* gene. These conditions can affect multiple organs, particularly the nervous system, liver, and spleen, leading to developmental delays, muscle weakness, or organ enlargement. Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and support specialized care.
Short name
GM1 Ganglioside Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a high GM1 level mean?
What does a normal GM1 level mean?
Can diet or lifestyle 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