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Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

IgM, Immunoglobulin M, Serum

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB5788, Beaker: IGM, Antrim: 30470

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Gold-top SST tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 4.0 mL)

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged collection tube within 12 hours of collection. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged collection tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Grossly lipemic specimens.
• Hemolyzed specimens.
• Plasma specimens.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Room temperature is acceptable for a maximum of 12 hours. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST tubes, Red-top tubes, and Microtainers^®
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 12 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 12 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday.
Results available within 24 hours of receipt in the Laboratory.

Reference Range

(mg/dL)
0 - 14 Days	10 - 40
15 Days - 12 Weeks	10 - 70
13 - 51 Weeks	20 - 90
1 - 18 Years	40 - 150
Adult	40 - 293

Methodology: Immunoturbidimetric

Test Methodology

Nephelometry.

Interpretation

Decreased IgM levels are associated with selective hypo-IgM and protein-losing enteropathies.

Increased IgM levels are associated with acute viral infections, recent immunization, parasitic disorders (e.g., trypanosomiasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis), Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, IgM myeloma, Hyper-IgM syndrome, and hepatitis.

Half Life in Blood: 5 days.

Clinical Utility

IgM levels can be used to evaluate humoral immunity and to assist in the diagnosis of conditions associated with IgM excess or depression. IgM is the first antibody to appear in a primary antibody response. IgM does not cross the placenta. Increased IgM levels in the newborn are associated with intrauterine infections.

CPT Codes

82784
LOINC: 2472-9

Contacts

Last Updated

10/12/2023