What is the globulin test?
A globulin test (also called globulin electrophoresis), is a test that measures the levels of a group of proteins called globulin that is present in the bloodstream. Having its levels within the globulin normal range is essential for your body to function smoothly. They play a key role in supporting your immune system, and in maintaining liver and kidney health, while also helping transport hormones and vitamins.
When the levels of globulin are high or too low, it could be a sign of something deeper going on, such as an infection, liver or kidney issues, or immune-related conditions. Ensuring normal globulin levels through simple tests can provide insight into the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
There are four categories of globulin proteins: Alpha 1, Alpha 2, beta, and gamma globulin proteins. Just as there are different forms of globulins, similarly there are two different types of globulin tests. The tests are used to distinguish one category of globulin from the other and determine their ratio within the bloodstream.
Let’s look at the two tests used to determine if the globulin levels are where they should be:
- Total protein test: This measures globulin in liver function test along with another class of proteins called albumin. Low protein levels can signal liver or kidney disease. If total protein is abnormal, your doctor may recommend further follow-up tests.
- Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP): This test measures gamma globulins and other proteins in your blood. An increase in gamma globulin proteins can indicate disorders of the immune system and a type of cancer called multiple myeloma.
Who should get a Globulin test?
Your doctor may advise a Globulin test as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) when you have a routine health check-up. The test may also be ordered if he is specifically concerned about your liver or kidney function or you have signs and symptoms, such as:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellow skin (Jaundice)
- Fatigue
- Swelling or fluid build-up (edema)
- Loss of appetite
Why is the Globulin test needed?
Apart from liver and kidney disorders, the globulin test may be administered to diagnose anyone of the above conditions, including:
- Malnutrition or malabsorption
- Disorders of the immune system
- Certain forms of cancer
What does a Globulin test result mean?
Normal Result:
Globulin Normal Ranges include:
- Serum globulin: 2.0 to 3.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 20 to 35 grams per liter (g/L) are are generally considered serum globulin normal range.
- IgM component: 75 to 300 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 750 to 3,000 milligrams per liter (mg/L)
- IgG component: 650 to 1,850 mg/dL or 6.5 to 18.50 g/L
- IgA component: 90 to 350 mg/dL or 900 to 3,500 mg/L
Some lab-to-lab variability in reference ranges may occur due to differences in equipment, techniques, and chemicals used.
* Gamma globulins include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.
What Abnormal Results Mean?
In your blood test, having high globulin means that your body is dealing with an underlying issue. In many cases, elevated globulin levels are linked to chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, liver problems, or certain types of blood cancers like multiple myeloma. When a blood test for globulin shows higher-than-normal results, it may prompt your doctor to explore potential immune system disorders or liver dysfunction due to which they may recommend additional tests.
On the other hand, having low globulin means you may have a weakened immune system or may indicate kidney disease, liver dysfunction, or digestive issues that prevent nutrient absorption.
Here’s a simple tabular guide for the same:
Table1. A high or low total globulin level may point out to the following conditions:
|
Increased total globulin level (Globulin High Means) |
Decreased total globulin level
(Globulin Low Means) |
| Acute infection | Congenital immune deficiency |
| Blood and bone marrow cancers | Kidney disease |
|
Hyper-immunisation |
Malnutrition |
| Chronic inflammatory disease |
Acute dehydration |
A high or low total Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) may point out to the following conditions:
Alpha-1 abnormalities are usually due to alpha-1 antitrypsin changes.
- Decreased levels in congenital alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
- Increases are found in acute inflammatory disorders (it is an acute phase reactant).
Alpha-2 abnormalities mainly involve alpha-2 macroglobulin and haptoglobin.
- Alpha-2 macroglobulin rises in nephrotic syndrome.
- Haptoglobin levels increase in inflammation and decrease with haemolytic reactions.
How is the Globulin test done?
Globulin testing is done by drawing a blood sample from a vein. In new-borns, blood draws are sometimes done as a heel stick collection.
Before the test, you may have to avoid eating and drinking for several hours or overnight. Some drugs can change the protein levels in your blood. Your health care provider may instruct you to stop taking medications that affect the test. It’s a good idea to drink extra water the day before your blood draw. When the body is properly hydrated, veins allow easier access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is globulin in blood test?
Ans. Globulin in a blood test refers to a group of proteins in your blood that help with immune function, liver and kidney function, blood clotting, and transporting nutrients. The test measures the total amount of globulin to check for issues with your liver, kidneys, or immune system.
Q. What is globulin?
Ans. Globulin is a type of protein found in your blood. It plays important roles in fighting infections, carrying hormones, and supporting liver and kidney function.
Q. What is globulin in liver function test?
Ans. In a liver function test, globulin is one of the proteins measured to check how well your liver is working. Abnormal globulin levels can point to liver disease, inflammation, or problems with the immune system.
Q. What causes low globulin levels?
Ans. Low globulin levels can be caused by kidney problems, liver disease, malnutrition, or conditions where your body loses protein. It may also suggest a weakened immune system.
Q. Is globulin related to the immune system?
Ans. Yes, certain types of globulins, like immunoglobulins, are antibodies that help your body fight off infections. So, abnormal globulin levels may reflect immune system problems.
