What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the levels of Globulins in the blood. Globulins are a group of proteins made by the liver that helps in the functioning of liver, kidney, and the immune system. There are three types of globulins:
- Alpha globulins
- Beta globulins
- Gamma globulins
Why is this test performed?
Globulins lab test is performed:
- To help in the diagnosis of liver diseases
- To help in the diagnosis of kidney diseases
- To help in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases
- To help in the diagnosis of cancers
- To evaluate the nutritional status
- To evaluate the overall health status.
- Which test measures gamma globulin levels?
Gamma globulins are mostly immunoglobulins, they are measured by serum protein electrophoresis
- Which test measures Alpha and beta globulin levels?
A total protein test is used to measure Alpha1, Alpha2, and beta globulin levels in the blood.
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lightheadedness
- What are the symptoms of a liver disease?
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale stool color
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin
- What are the symptoms of a kidney disease?
- Unexplained weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen ankles, hands, or feet
- Urinary frequency
- Cloudy urine
- Itchy skin
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- What are the symptoms of malnutrition?
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Loss of fat and muscle mass
- Sunken eyes
- Hollow cheeks
- Depression
- anxiety
- Inability to concentrate.
Normal range: 2.3-3.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
- Interpretation of test results:
- Causes of decreased serum Globulin:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Malnutrition
- Immunodeficiency
- Increased albumin levels.
- Causes of increased serum Globulin:
- Acute infections
- Inflammatory diseases such as SLE and Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancers such as Multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s diseases, or malignant lymphoma
- Hyper-immunisation
- Decreased albumin levels.