Preparation - None. Test procedure - Blood is drawn from your vein and sent to a laboratory for analysis. After the test - Follow procedures for venous blood drawing. Factors affecting results - High levels of one type of antibody may prevent low levels of another antibody against the same substance from being detected. Interpretation - The test demonstrates the amount of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies in a milliliter of serum.
Interpretation varies with the reason for the test.
Since treatment of insect allergies leads to production of IgG, a high level can mean that the treatment is successful. Similarly, since IgG is produced in response to an aspergillosis infection, a high level indicates a recent infection. Advantages It's relatively inexpensive. No radioactive materials are involved. Disadvantages - It does not detect IgE, the antibody most commonly involved in allergic reactions.