Ganglioside GM3 (Sulfatide) in Serum
This test measures the level of a specific type of ganglioside called GM3 sulfatide in your blood serum. GM3 sulfatide is a complex carbohydrate-lipid molecule that can be involved in certain neurological and metabolic conditions.
["Understanding your GM3 sulfatide level may help assess rare genetic or metabolic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44753-2
- Short code
- Sulfatide IgM Ser Ql
- Synonyms
- Sulfatide IgM 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 metabolic disorders, such as GM1 gangliosidosis or other lysosomal storage diseases. It may also be part of a broader diagnostic workup for neurological issues or genetic testing.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required. You may have a blood draw, similar to other routine blood tests. If you are on certain medications or have specific health conditions, let your provider know beforehand.
What the Results Mean
Results are not standardized across labs, so interpretation depends on clinical context and comparison to your baseline or known reference ranges for this specific test. Elevated levels may indicate certain metabolic disorders, while normal levels do not definitively rule out conditions.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used in the context of diagnosing or monitoring lysosomal storage disorders, such as GM1 gangliosidosis, or other rare genetic conditions affecting lipid metabolism.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Elevated levels of GM3 sulfatide in serum can be associated with lysosomal storage diseases, where certain enzymes are deficient, leading to the buildup of specific substances like GM3. Your provider will use these results alongside clinical findings, family history, and other tests to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
Short name
GM3 Sulfatide Serum
Frequently asked questions
What does a high GM3 sulfatide level indicate?
Is this test painful?
How often will I need this test?
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