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Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in Serum or Plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), a type of antibody found in your blood. IgG helps protect your body from infections and is the most common antibody in the immune system.

Quick summary

["IgG helps fight infections and supports long-term immunity."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
102328-2
Short code
Goat Milk IgE RAST
Synonyms
Goat Milk IgE RAST
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
rast
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
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 order an IgG test to check for low or high levels, which can occur due to immune system issues, certain medical conditions, or after treatments like chemotherapy. It may also be used to monitor immune response during recovery or after vaccination.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, or if testing urine or saliva, follow any specific instructions your provider gives you. The process is quick and usually painless.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to standard reference ranges for IgG levels. Low IgG levels might indicate weakened immunity, while very high levels could suggest certain immune disorders or chronic infections. Your provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.

Common Conditions Affecting IgG Levels

IgG levels can be affected by conditions like HIV/AIDS, certain autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus), chronic infections, or after treatments that suppress the immune system. Pregnancy, malnutrition, or certain medications can also influence IgG levels.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

IgG Level

Frequently asked questions

What questions might you have about this test?
IgG levels are crucial for diagnosing and managing immune-related disorders. Low IgG can lead to recurrent infections, while high IgG may indicate overactive immune responses or chronic conditions. Your provider will discuss the results with you to determine the next steps.
How long will it take to get my results?
Results from IgG tests are typically available within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your lab and healthcare provider. Your provider will contact you once the results are ready.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
No dietary restrictions apply to blood or serum/plasma IgG tests. However, if testing urine or saliva, follow any specific instructions your provider provides, such as fasting or avoiding certain foods/drinks.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy