Test Details: This test is used to diagnose a mumps infection and to establish immunity to mumps infection or due to vaccination. Mumps is a contagious viral infection that easily spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking or sharing items etc. Symptoms include headache, muscle ache, fever and parotitis etc. Permanent complications can also develop such as temporary or permanent deafness, inflammation of ovary or testis, pancreatitis, meningitis or encephalitis. IgM is the first antibody to be produced after infection or vaccination. IgM antibody increases for several days, peaks and then begins to taper off over the few weeks. IgG develops later but once they develop they remain in body for life.