Immunoglobulin G Subclasses (1-4)
Immunology and Allergy Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
IgG subclass deficiency may be masked by a normal serum IgG concentration. The most common of the subclass deficiencies is IgG2 and this may also be associated with IgA deficiency. Increased concentrations of IgG4 are found in atopy and parasitic infection and isolated deficiency is a rare event. IgG3 deficiency may be found in some patients with a history of upper respiratory tract infection with obstructive airways disease. It may in some cases be more useful to investigate antibody function using tests such as anti-pneumococcal antibodies, anti-heamophilus B antibodies.
Sample Requirements
2 ml freshly separated serum
Storage and Transport
Serum stored at 4°C should be sent by first class post
Turnaround Time
6 working days
Time Limit for Extra Tests
Five days
Factors affecting results or interpretation
All tests are compromised by prolonged transit times. For this reason, date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Dr Ted Davies, Consultant Clinical Scientist
T 020 3299 9000 Ex 8752
John Cazabon or Rosemary Ebling, Lead Biomedical Scientists
T 020 3299 1559
