IgG4 (IMMUNOGLOBULIN IgG SUBCLASS 4)

The defence system in our body is crucial for combating infections. A substantial part of this function is played by Immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is the most frequently found antibody in blood. IgG is classified into four categories, namely, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4; these types perform their unique operations in providing immunity.

IgG4 test checks the level of IgG4 in the blood. This test is often employed to diagnose IgG4 related disorders, which are chronic disorders based on inflammation affecting the organs such as pancreas, liver, kidneys, lungs, salivary glands, and lymph nodes. Increased values of IgG4 could also indicate the occurrence of some autoimmune diseases.

At City Imaging, we provide precise IgG4 testing service with use of advanced laboratory devices. Our team comprises qualified specialists who deliver accurate test results to your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of immune diseases. The IgG4 Test costs INR 4500 to INR 10500.

What is the IgG4 Test?

IgG4 test is a clinical blood test that determines how much IgG4 antibody there is in the blood. IgG4 is one of the IgG subclasses and normally only makes up a small portion of the total blood IgG. In some autoimmune conditions and inflammatory disorders, IgG4 can significantly increase.

The test serves the purpose of:

• Diagnose IgG4-related disease
• Support the evaluation of autoimmune disorders
• Monitor treatment response
• Assess unexplained organ swelling
• Investigate chronic inflammation
• Differentiate IgG4-related disease from cancers and infections

Why is the IgG4 Test important?

A barrage of autoimmune and inflammatory illnesses can make things strenuous for clinicians when diagnosing patients. Common causes of autoimmune disorders include stagnant pancreatitis, growth of salivary glands, chronic liver illnesses, and renal disorders.

The IgG4 tests provide healthcare workers with useful information that enables clinicians to determine whether or not autoimmune illness is the outcome of a dysfunctional immune system.

Diagnosing this disorder in earlier stages is important, as treatments yield favorable results for IgG4-based diseases when diagnosed in the right moment before the organ undergoes lasting damage.

What is IgG4-related disease?

IgG4 disease is a chronic immune disorder manifested with the accumulation of different inflammatory cells in the organs that leads to swelling and enlargement of the organs. The condition may affect different organs.

The organs usually affected include:

• Pancreas
• Bile ducts
• Salivary glands
• Tear glands
• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Liver
• Lymph nodes
• Thyroid gland
• Aorta

When is the Immunoglobulin G4 Test recommended?

Your doctor may recommend an Immunoglobulin G4 Test if you have symptoms suggestive of IgG4-related disease.

Common reasons include:

• Unexplained enlargement of salivary glands
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Recurrent abdominal pain
• Persistent jaundice
• Kidney inflammation
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Autoimmune diseases
• Organ enlargement detected on imaging
• Unexplained inflammatory masses
• Monitoring previously diagnosed IgG4-RD

What are the symptoms that may require an IgG4 Test?

Symptoms depend on which organ is affected but may include:

• Persistent swelling of glands
• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chronic cough
• Chest discomfort
• Kidney-related symptoms
• Unexplained organ enlargement

How is the IgG4 Test performed?

IgG4 Test is a blood test that is easy to get done.

Step 1: Registration

You go to City Imaging and complete your registration process.

Step 2: Sample Collection

A trained lab technician draws a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm.

Step 3: Laboratory Testing

The blood sample undergoes various immunological tests in the laboratory.

Step 4: Report Preparation

The laboratory sends the report to your doctor for evaluation along with other medical reports and your medical history.

Do you need any preparation?

Before the test, inform your healthcare provider about:

• Current medications
• Steroid therapy
• Autoimmune disorders
• Recent infections
• Previous laboratory reports
• Pregnancy, if applicable

How to understand the results?

It is crucial to have the IgG4 Test analysed only by a legitimate medical practitioner.

Normal IgG4 Results

A normal finding usually indicates that a person is less likely to have an IgG4-related condition though it cannot be ruled out completely.

Increased IgG4 Levels

Elevated IgG4 levels can indicate:

• IgG4-related disease
• Autoimmune pancreatitis
• Chronic inflammatory disorders
• Certain allergic diseases
• Some immune system disorders

What are the conditions associated with elevated IgG4 Levels?

Doctors may consider the IgG4 Test when evaluating:

• IgG4-related disease
• Autoimmune pancreatitis
• Sclerosing cholangitis
• Retroperitoneal fibrosis
• Chronic sinus inflammation
• Kidney inflammation
• Inflammatory pseudotumours
• Chronic salivary gland disease
• Orbital inflammatory disease
• Certain allergic conditions

What are the advantages of the IgG4 Test?

The IgG4 Test offers several important benefits.

• Supports Early Diagnosis
• Helps Differentiate Diseases
• Monitors Treatment
• Minimally Invasive
• Supports Comprehensive Evaluation

What are the other tests that may be ordered along with the IgG4 Test?

Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend:

• Total IgG
• IgG subclasses
• Complete Blood Count
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
• C-Reactive Protein
• Liver Function Tests
• Kidney Function Tests
• Serum Creatinine
• Autoimmune antibody tests
• CT Scan
• MRI Scan
• Ultrasound
• PET-CT Scan
• Tissue biopsy

Why choose City Imaging for the IgG4 Test?

When you choose City Imaging, you benefit from:

• Advanced laboratory technology
• Experienced pathologists and laboratory professionals
• High-quality testing standards
• Accurate and reliable reports
• Quick report turnaround
• Hygienic blood collection procedures
• Affordable diagnostic services
• Comprehensive diagnostic support
• Patient-friendly environment

What is the price of the IGG4 test in Delhi?

The IGG4 test can be performed in Delhi at a price ranging from INR 4500 to INR 10500. The price may vary slightly depending on the machine used, location and type of test.

How to book an IGG4 test online at City Imaging?

A patient can schedule their IGG4 test on City Imaging's website or by calling them for assistance in making an appointment. The technician also visits your house to collect samples by booking home collections at the website. Also, reports are transferred to patients in soft copy so visiting lab centres is not necessary.

Which IGG4 test centre is near me?

Delhi-based City Imaging has state-of-the-art medical equipment that enables precise testing. Here, well-trained employees compassionately and carefully respond to your enquiries. City Imaging provides an outstanding environment and has well equipped labs with modern machines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to fast before taking part in an IgG4 Test?

No, usually fasting is not a prerequisite unless your physician has suggested some other tests need performing.

Is a high level of IgG4 enough for a diagnosis of IgG4-related disease?

No, it is important to note that elevated levels of IgG4 can occur in a range of diseases, which is why your physician will correlate the results with your case history, test results, and radiographic investigations.

Is the IgG4 Test painful?

Only a small blood sample has to be taken. You may feel a small prick from the needle but the process is quick and painless.

Can the IgG4 Test be used for assessment of treatment response?

Yes, doctors may use the test repetitively to assess disease activity and treatment effectiveness.

Is the IgG4 Test sufficient for diagnosing an IgG4-related disease?

No, although sensitive, the IgG4 Test results have to be supported by other blood tests, imaging procedures and sometimes a biopsy.

What are the other names of the IgG4 Test?

It is also named as Immunoglobulin IgG Subclass 4(IgG4), Immunoglobulin G4 Test.