Ganglioside GM3 (Sulfatide) in Serum
This test measures the level of a specific type of ganglioside called GM3 sulfatide in your blood serum. GM3 is a complex carbohydrate-lipid molecule found in nerve cells, and its presence may be evaluated for certain inherited metabolic or neurological conditions.
["This test helps assess potential genetic or metabolic disorders affecting nerve function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31670-3
- Short code
- Sulfatide IgG Ser Ql
- Synonyms
- Sulfatide IgG Ser Ql
- 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 or a family history suggestive of conditions like GM1 gangliosidosis, a group of rare inherited disorders that affect how your body breaks down certain substances. It may also be used in research or specialized diagnostic settings for metabolic screening.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on blood-thinning medication or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are usually reported as a concentration value (e.g., mass concentration in mg/dL or similar units). Abnormal levels may indicate metabolic or genetic conditions affecting nerve cells, but interpretation depends on clinical context, including your symptoms and family history.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is primarily used for research or specialized diagnostic purposes in conditions like GM1 gangliosidosis, where GM3 sulfatide accumulation is associated with nerve damage. It’s not routinely used for general health screening.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated levels of GM3 sulfatide in serum may suggest inherited metabolic disorders that disrupt normal nerve cell function. These conditions can cause developmental delays, muscle weakness, or neurological symptoms. Your provider will correlate results with your medical history and symptoms to guide diagnosis or treatment planning.
Short name
GM3 Sulfatide
Frequently asked questions
What does a ‘normal’ result mean for this test?
How often should this test be repeated?
Can lifestyle changes affect GM3 sulfatide 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