Ganglioside GM2 (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of GM2 ganglioside, a complex sugar-lipid molecule found in certain tissues, including the brain and nerves. It may be ordered to help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting these structures.
["GM2 ganglioside levels can help identify or track conditions linked to nerve or brain function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109383-0
- Short code
- GM2 Gangl IgG Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- GM2 Gangl IgG Msmt Ser
- 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 Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, developmental delays, or neurological issues that could be associated with GM2-related disorders. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for inherited metabolic diseases or lysosomal storage disorders.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is typically taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure the GM2 ganglioside concentration. Results are compared to a reference range to determine if levels are elevated or low.
What Do Results Mean?
Elevated or abnormal levels of GM2 ganglioside may suggest conditions such as GM1 gangliosidosis or other lysosomal storage disorders. However, interpretation depends on clinical context, including your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.
Common Conditions Monitored or Diagnosed
This test is primarily used in the context of diagnosing or monitoring rare genetic disorders, such as GM2 gangliosidosis variants (e.g., Sandhoff disease), which affect nerve cells and can cause progressive neurological symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
GM2 ganglioside levels are not commonly used for general screening in healthy individuals. They are reserved for patients with suspected lysosomal storage disorders or those undergoing genetic evaluations for inherited metabolic diseases. Early detection can influence treatment planning and management strategies.
Short name
GM2 Ganglioside Level
Frequently asked questions
What is GM2 ganglioside, and why is it important?
How is this test different from other ganglioside tests?
Can lifestyle changes affect GM2 ganglioside 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