IgM

Alias/Synonym: Immunoglobulin M Heavy Chain

CPT Code: 88342

Includes:

Specimen Type, Preferred:

Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue

Specimen Type, Alternate:

Sample Quantity, Preferred:

1 block

2 slides

Sample Quantity, Minimum:

N/A

Transport Container:

Paraffin block

Unstained slides

Transport Temperature:

Room temperature

Collection Instructions:

Block and slide identifiers should be clearly written and match exactly with the specimen ID and specimen labeling as noted on the requisition.

Slides should be positively charged and cut at 3-4 microns for each stain/antibody ordered.

Specimen Stability:

N/A

Rejection Criteria:

No liquid specimens.

Uncharged slides

Clinical Significance:

IgM, together with IgD, is the major immunoglobulin expressed on the surface of B cells and normally constitutes about 10 per cent of serum immunoglobulin. IgM antibody is prominent in early immune responses to most antigens and predominates in certain antibody responses such as 'natural' blood group antibodies. The large majority of B-cell lymphomas express surface IgM, although it may be weak. Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia) typically has IgM, while most plasma cell dyscrasias have IgG or IgA.

Limitations:

Turnaround Time:

1 day(s)

Reference Ranges:

N/A

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