They make up almost half of the proteins in your blood.
Globulin tests, also called globulin electrophoresis, can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions.
High levels may indicate infection, inflammatory disease, or anautoimmune disease.
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Low levels may be a sign of liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition.
This article explains the purpose of a globulin test.
It also describes the testing process, what results mean, and ways to improve your levels.
Globulin Test Purpose
A globulin test is a blood test.
It is performed by a healthcare professional who takes a sample of blood from your arm.
They will also checkalbuminlevels (a liver protein) and evaluate the albumin/globulin ratio.
A total protein test is a good indication of how the liver is working.
Low total protein levels can be a sign of liver disease.
Gamma globulins containantibodiesthat help the body attack foreign substances and fight disease.
Antibodies are important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Risks and Contraindications
Globulin tests require a blood sample.
Most people don’t experience any problems during or after a blood draw.
For healthy people, the overall risk associated with venipuncture is low.
In most cases, the benefits of the test outweigh the risk associated with having blood taken.
It’s a good idea to drink extra water the day before your blood draw.
When you’re properly hydrated, your veins are larger and allow for easier access.
If the test will be affected, they may have you take your normal dose at a different time.
Timing
Having blood taken for a globulin test usually only takes a few minutes.
Yourmedical recordsare confidential, and providing this information is a standard part of health information security.
Some healthcare providers can perform blood draws for a globulin test on-site.
Others may send you to an external laboratory.
Wearing layers or a top with sleeves that are easy to push up can be helpful.
Phlebotomists are specially trained and certified to complete blood draws.
Your phlebotomist will then:
Some people experience a slight stinging or pinching sensation as the needle is inserted.
Your healthcare provider may let you know when to expect the results.
Results usually take several days to one week to arrive, depending on the size of the laboratory.
Normal Range of Globulin
Results from a globulin test come in the form of laboratory values.
These numbers indicate whether a person has healthy levels of proteins in their blood.
Protein globulin levels for adults normally fall between 2.3 and 3.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
The normal range for total protein is between 6.4 and 8.3 g/dL.
In some cases, these proteins may be elevated.
For example, it’s normal for these proteins to be higher during pregnancy.
A total protein test also provides thealbuminto globulin ratio (A/G ratio).
In general, a value of 1.1 is considered normal.
Your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests.
Low globulin levels may be a sign of liver or kidney disease, or malnutrition.
Liver and kidney conditions may require medications or other therapies.
Some of these diseases, like cirrhosis and lupus, are not curable but may be improved with treatment.
If the results are normal, you won’t need any specific follow-up for the test.
However, your healthcare provider may want to run other types of tests if you are having symptoms.
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