Question 1

What is Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency is an immunodeficiency disorder where one or more of the four IgG antibody subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4) are abnormally low. It is caused by impaired B-cell production of specific immunoglobulin subclasses, leading to reduced ability to fight bacterial and viral infections. The IgG blood test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures all four IgG subclass levels to identify which specific antibody types are deficient.

Question 2

What causes Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency is caused by impaired production of specific immunoglobulin G antibody subclasses by B-cells in the immune system. The condition can be genetic or acquired, resulting in low levels of one or more of the four IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4) while total IgG levels may appear normal. Each subclass protects against different types of infections, so deficiencies in specific subclasses leave you vulnerable to particular bacteria and viruses, especially those causing respiratory infections.

Question 3

What is the best test for Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The IgG blood test is the most important test for Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency because it measures the levels of all four IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) individually. This comprehensive testing identifies which specific antibody subclass is deficient, allowing your doctor to understand your infection risk profile. While total immunoglobulin testing might show normal results, the IgG subclass panel reveals hidden deficiencies that explain recurrent respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, or pneumonia. This specific testing is essential for anyone with frequent infections despite normal routine immune testing.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience recurrent sinus infections, pneumonia, or bronchitis that keep coming back despite treatment. Children with frequent ear infections or adults with chronic respiratory symptoms that do not improve with standard care should consider this testing. You should also get tested if you have normal total immunoglobulin levels but continue to have unexplained infections, or if your doctor suspects an immune deficiency affecting your ability to fight bacterial infections.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptoms include recurrent respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia that occur multiple times per year. You might experience chronic ear infections, persistent cough, frequent colds that last longer than normal, and difficulty recovering from bacterial infections. Some people develop chronic lung problems or bronchiectasis over time. Children may have more frequent ear infections than their peers, while adults often notice they get sick more often and take longer to recover than others around them.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Children under age 10 are at higher risk because IgG subclass levels naturally develop over time and may not reach adult levels until adolescence. People with a family history of immune deficiencies or primary immunodeficiency disorders have increased risk. Those with recurrent infections despite normal immune function tests should be evaluated. The condition can also develop in adults, particularly those with autoimmune conditions or chronic infections. IgG2 deficiency is more common in younger children, while other subclass deficiencies can occur at any age.

Question 7

What happens if Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency leads to recurrent and increasingly severe respiratory infections that can cause permanent lung damage. You may develop chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis (permanent widening of airways), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from repeated infections. Frequent infections reduce quality of life, cause missed work or school days, and require repeated antibiotic courses that can lead to antibiotic resistance. In severe cases, untreated deficiency can result in hospitalization for pneumonia or serious bacterial infections that become life-threatening.

Question 8

Can Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency is diagnosed through blood testing that measures the levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 antibodies separately. The blood test compares your subclass levels to age-appropriate reference ranges since normal levels vary by age. Your doctor may also order additional immune function tests to check how well your antibodies respond to vaccines or infections. Blood testing is the only way to definitively diagnose this condition because physical exams and symptoms alone cannot distinguish it from other causes of recurrent infections.

Question 9

How is Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the severity of infections and which subclass is deficient. Many people manage well with prompt antibiotic treatment for infections or preventive antibiotics during high-risk seasons. For severe cases with frequent serious infections, immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG or subcutaneous immunoglobulin) provides the missing antibodies through regular infusions. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are recommended to boost protection against common respiratory infections. Your immunologist will monitor your infection frequency and adjust treatment based on your response and quality of life.

Question 10

How can I prevent complications from Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Stay current with all recommended vaccinations, especially pneumococcal vaccines and annual flu shots, to reduce infection risk. Practice good hand hygiene, avoid close contact with sick people, and maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep and nutrition to support your immune system. Seek prompt medical attention at the first sign of infection to start treatment early before it becomes severe. Regular follow-up with an immunologist helps monitor your condition and adjust preventive strategies. Some people benefit from prophylactic antibiotics during cold and flu season to prevent infections before they start.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my immune system with IgG Subclass Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Maintain excellent hygiene by washing hands frequently and avoiding touching your face to reduce exposure to pathogens. Support your overall health with a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D, adequate protein, and antioxidants that support immune function. Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, as sleep is crucial for immune system recovery. Stay hydrated and use a humidifier to keep respiratory passages moist and less vulnerable to infection. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, which damage respiratory defenses and increase infection risk in people with immune deficiencies.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

IgG Subclass Deficiency Blood Test

What is Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

What causes Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

What is the best test for Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

When should I get tested for Selective IgG Subclass Deficiency?

References

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