: Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Electrophoresis, Serum, Mass Concentration
: This test measures the amount and pattern of immunoglobulin M (IgM) proteins in a serum sample using electrophoresis, a technique that separates proteins by their electrical charge and movement.
[": IgM serum electrophoresis helps your care team see how much IgM is present and whether it appears in an abnormal pattern."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55925-2
- Short code
- IgM Ser Elph-mCnc
- Synonyms
- IgM Ser Elph-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- 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
: What Is Being Measured
: Immunoglobulins are antibody proteins made by your immune system. IgM is the type produced early in an immune response. This test looks at the IgM present in the liquid portion of your blood (serum) and reports its concentration and separation pattern.
: How Electrophoresis Works
: In electrophoresis, proteins in your serum are placed on a special medium and exposed to an electric field. Different proteins move at different speeds and separate into bands. The laboratory then measures the IgM portion, giving information about its amount and distribution.
: Why Your Clinician May Order It
: Your clinician may order this test when checking the immune system, investigating an unusual protein pattern, or monitoring a condition associated with increased IgM. It is often interpreted together with other immunoglobulin and protein electrophoresis results.
: What to Expect
: The test uses a routine blood draw, usually from a vein in your arm. Most people do not need special preparation unless your clinician gives other instructions. Results are interpreted in the context of your symptoms, history, and other laboratory findings.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: IgM electrophoresis can help identify increases or abnormal patterns of IgM, which may be relevant to immune disorders or certain blood conditions. Because results depend on many factors, they should always be interpreted by a clinician alongside other tests rather than in isolation.
Short name
: IgM Serum Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
: Does this test diagnose a specific disease on its own?
: Do I need to fast before this test?
: Is the blood draw painful?
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