Globulin Test

Globulin test is performed to check the levels of globulin proteins in the blood.

While a total protein test may be used to check for liver functioning, a serum protein electrophoresis test might be ordered for the diagnosis of disorders related to the immune system such as:  

• Autoimmune diseases (lupus and rheumatoid arthritis)
• Allergies
• Type of cancer

Various symptoms of liver disease that indicate a need for total protein test are as follows:

• Jaundice (a condition when the skin and eyes turn yellow)
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fluid build-up in the abdomen, feet and legs
• Recurring fatigue
• Unexplained loss of appetite

Liver function tests may also be ordered if an individual is at risk for liver disease.

No special preparation is needed for this test. Make sure that you inform your doctor if you are taking any medication or supplements. He/she may advise you to stop taking certain drugs that can alter test results such as corticosteroids, chlorpromazine, isoniazid, phenacemide, neomycin, salicylates, tolbutamide and sulphonamides. Do not stop taking medications on your own

A lab-technician or doctor will sanitise a site on your arm and insert a needle into a vein to withdraw a blood sample. The sample will be collected in a tube or bottle and sent to a lab for examination.

During the analysis of the blood, its fluid part is placed on a specially treated paper and exposed to an electric current. The proteins will move and form bands on the paper, The thickness of the band will indicate the amount of each protein fraction.

Test results can vary depending upon the age, gender, method used and health history of the individual. Check-in with your doctor to get the correct interpretation of results.

Normal results:

The range of normal values are as follows:

• Serum globulin: 2.0 to 3.5 g/dL
• IgM component: 75 to 300 mg/dL
• IgG component: 650 to 1850 mg/dL
• IgA component: 90 to 350 mg/dL

Normal values of specific globulins are as follows:

• Alpha-1 (α-1): 1.7% to 5% or 0.1 to 0.4 g/dL (1 to 4 g/L)
• Alpha-2 (α-2): 6.7% to 12.5% or 0.4 to 1 g/dL (4 to 10 g/L)
• Beta (β): 8.3% to 16.3% or 0.5 to 1.2 g/dL (5 to 12 g/L)
• Gamma (γ): 10.7% to 20% or 0.6 to 1.6 g/dL (6 to 16 g/L)

Abnormal results:

An elevated globulin level can be seen due to the following:

• Chronic infections (parasites, some cases of viral and bacterial infection)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Multiple myelomas
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Liver disease (obstructive jaundice, biliary cirrhosis)
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Leukaemia
• Autoimmunity (systemic lupus, collagen diseases)
• Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia
• Kidney dysfunction (nephrosis)

A decreased level of globulin can be seen in the following conditions:

• Liver dysfunction
• Nephrosis (a condition where the kidney does not filter the protein from the blood and it leaks into the urine)
• Acute haemolytic anaemia
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (emphysema)
• Hypogammaglobulinaemia/agammaglobulinaemia

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.