Most globulins are made by the liver, and they help transport nutrients and fight infections [ 1 ]. There are four types of globulins: alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, and gamma. Two types of globulin tests can be used to measure globulins: a total protein test and a serum protein electrophoresis test. The total protein test measures alpha 1, alpha 2, beta globulin, and another liver protein called albumin.
Low protein levels may signal liver or kidney disease. The serum protein electrophoresis measures gamma globulin and other proteins in the blood. Doctors can use this test to diagnose immune system disorders and other conditions. Globulin levels may also help your doctor diagnose an inflammatory disorder, autoimmune disease, or infection.
This is because gamma globulins contain antibodies, the increased production of which can signal these diseases. High globulins may also indicate certain types of cancer such as multiple myeloma [ 2 ]. However, abnormal results may also be a result of certain medications, dehydration, or other factors.
Additionally, the results of this test alone are not sufficient for diagnosis. Your doctor will evaluate your results taking into account your overall health status and other lab markers.
The normal range of globulin is around 2. Some lab-to-lab variability occurs due to differences in equipment, techniques, and chemicals used. Globulin in the normal range usually implies a normal balance of carrier proteins, enzymes, and antibodies that are needed for many biological processes.
Causes of raised immunoglobulin levels Electrophoresis will establish if these are polyclonal or monoclonal rises. The most common rise in immunoglobulin levels is polyclonal, and due to immune system activity caused by infection or autoimmune diseases. Blood tests can be done which measure the amount of IgE antibodies which have been produced in response to specific allergens. Blood allergy tests are more expensive and less sensitive than skin prick testing, but can be useful in certain situations - for example, when there is a risk of anaphylaxis, or severe skin rashes, or when the patient needs to continue taking antihistamines.
Hundreds of different allergens can be tested for in this way. A raised globulin level may be a relatively common coincidental finding. The work-up to establish the cause involves history, examination and further investigations to determine which of the conditions listed above may be causing the abnormality. This work-up would include:. See also the Therapeutic Immunoglobulins article. Bird JM ; Investigating an incidental finding of a paraprotein. Aust Fam Physician. Serum globulin electrophoresis ; MedlinePlus.
Boston: Butterworths Chapter For ages now I seem to get a horrible type of pain in my neck, collar bone and shoulders when drinking alcohol! Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? Atlanta: American Cancer Society Inc. What is multiple myeloma? New York: American Liver Foundation; c Liver Function Tests; [updated Jan 25; cited Feb 2]; [about 4 screens]. Selective IgA Deficiency [cited Feb 2]; [about 3 screens].
Washington D. Monitoring multiple myeloma patients treated with daratumumab: teasing out monoclonal antibody interference. Bethesda MD : U. Understanding and Interpreting Serum Protein Electrophoresis. American Family Physician [Internet]. Johns Hopkins Medicine; c Blood Chemistry Panel [cited Feb 2]; [about 4 screens].
Medical examinations must be done to determine if the globulin levels are where they should be, and what might be causing them to be lower or higher than normal. Medications can then be used to help return the globulin levels to the normal stage to avoid any potential dangers.
Tests will be used to determine the specific levels of different types of globulin in the blood stream. Ideally, this level will fall at 7. This should be comprised approximately of 3.
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