Quantitative Nephelometry Test – Indications, Procedures, Results

Last updated: February 8, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 3 min read

Quantitative immunoglobulins

Quantitative nephelometry is a lab test to quickly and accurately measure levels of certain proteins called immunoglobulins in the blood. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that help fight infection.

This test specifically measures the immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, and IgA.

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed .

How to Prepare for the Test

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test.

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.

Why the Test is Performed

The test provides a rapid and accurate measurement of the amounts of the immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, and IgA.

Normal Results

Normal results for the 3 immunoglobulins are:

IgG: 560 to 1800 mg/dL
IgM: 45 to 250 mg/dL
IgA: 100 to 400 mg/dL

The examples above show the common measurements for these test results. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An increased level of IgG may be due to:

Chronic infection or inflammation
Hyperimmunization (higher than normal number of specific antibodies)
IgG multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer)
Liver disease
Rheumatoid arthritis

Decreased levels of IgG may be due to:

Agammaglobulinemia (very low levels of immunoglobulins, a very rare disorder)
Leukemia (blood cancer)
Multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer)
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Treatment with certain chemotherapy drugs

Increased levels of IgM may be due to:

Mononucleosis
Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph tissue)
WaldenstrÃ¶m macroglobulinemia (cancer of the white blood cells)
Multiple myeloma
Rheumatoid arthritis

Decreased levels of IgM may be due to:

Agammaglobulinemia (very rare)
Leukemia
Multiple myeloma

Increased levels of IgA may be due to:

Chronic infections, especially of the gastrointestinal tract
Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn disease
Multiple myeloma

Decreased levels of IgA may be due to:

Agammaglobulinemia (very rare)
Hereditary IgA deficiency
Multiple myeloma
Gut disease that leads to protein loss

Other tests are needed to confirm or diagnose any of the conditions above.

Risks

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.