A globulin blood test analyses the amount of globulin which is a class of proteins, in blood. They account for over half of the blood's proteins. Blood coagulation, immunological defence, and liver function are all significantly influenced by globulins. A total protein test & a serum protein electrophoresis test are the two different globulin tests available for these proteins. Let’s get into the details.

What Is a Globulin Blood Test?

Blood serum levels of a class of proteins known as globulins are measured by a globulin blood test. This testing procedure is known as globulin electrophoresis in terms of medicine. This globulin electrophoresis or globulin test is used to diagnose a number of illnesses. High levels could be a sign of an autoimmune disease, an inflammatory condition, or an infection. Low levels could be an indication of malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Alpha 1, Alpha 2, beta, and gamma globulin proteins are the four different types of globulin proteins. Alpha 1, Alpha 2, & beta globulin proteins are what the doctor is looking to evaluate when they order a total blood protein test. Additionally, they will measure the liver protein albumin levels and analyse the albumin/globulin ratio.

Purpose of Globulin Test

Blood tests for globulin are used by medical professionals to:

• Spot potential issues, including liver issues, as part of a standard physical examination.
• Identify a liver or renal issue.
• Indicate if an illness is growing.

When Should I Get the Globulin Blood Test?

If a patient experiences the symptoms given below, the healthcare provider might prescribe tests to see how the liver is functioning - 

• Jaundice or yellow skin
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Recurring itching
• Constant weariness
• Weakness
•  Oedema
•  Discomfort or swelling in the belly
•  Light-coloured faeces or dark colour urine

What happens during the globulin test?

A phlebotomist will draw a blood sample, while the doctor will perform the rest of the test. Then, they will ask the patient to confirm their name and birthdate before drawing the blood so that the vials of blood are properly labelled. Let’s go through the complete procedure.

Procedure for Blood Globulin Test

• Ask the patient to sit in a regular or a special chair at the lab to draw the blood.
• Determine the optimal location in the vein, or even ask the patient for their preferred arm.
• Put a tourniquet or band over the upper arm to block the blood flow momentarily.
• To sanitize the chosen area, wipe it with an antibacterial wipe.
• If required, ask the patient to clench their fist or form a ball to help the blood flow.
• When finished, apply medical tape and a cotton pad to the affected region.

As the needle is inserted, some patients feel a small stinging or pinching sensation. Usually, the soreness passes as it is not severe. The patient will be requested to stay at the lab for a little period to rest, eat a snack, and drink something if they start to feel lightheaded or faint.

Uses of Globulin Test

The test is done to measure the protein level in the body. High globulin levels may indicate autoimmune diseases, cancer, or infection. At the same time, a low globulin level indicates a sign of liver or kidney disease. 

How to Prepare for the Globulin Test?

Before undergoing the blood test, the patient might need to fast (go without food or liquids) for at least 12 hours. Ensure that the doctor has a list of all the prescription drugs and dietary supplements they take. The levels of globulin can be impacted by some medications, including corticosteroids, the pill for birth control, and insulin for diabetes. If they need to stop taking medicine prior to the blood test, the doctor will let them know.

Values of Globulin Test Results

Here’s the value of the globulin test results - 

Normal Globulin Level - Laboratory values represent the results of a globulin test. These values show if a person's blood contains a healthy amount of proteins. Adults typically have protein globulin levels between 2.3 and 3.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL). Total protein should fall within the globulin normal range of 6.4 and 8.3 g/dL.8 These proteins might be increased under particular circumstances, such as - an increased concentration of these proteins is typical during pregnancy.

Albumin to globulin ratio (A/G ratio) results are also provided by a total protein test. Depending on how much of each substance is present in the blood - for example, if albumin levels are higher than globulin levels - the 1:1 ratio changes. A result of 1.1 is typically regarded as normal.

High Globulin Level - Results of more than 2.5 for an albumin/globulin ratio and more than 3.5 g/dL for globulin are regarded as high. High globulin levels could indicate -

• Infection
• An inflammatory condition
• Autoimmunity diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Hemolytic anaemia 
• Tuberculosis
• Several cancers, including malignant lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and Hodgkin's disease

However, prolonged bed rest, dehydration, and issues with the blood sample might also result in a high reading. It's likely that the doctor will request more tests. The following factors could contribute to a high A/G ratio - 

• Particular genetic diseases
• Leukaemia

Decreasing Level - Depending on why the globulin level is high, the patient may need to reduce it. The globulin levels will rise while the illness or dehydration is treated in some circumstances, such as acute infections and dehydration. Exercises that mainly focus on strength and aerobics have been shown to reduce globulin levels, which is thought to improve general health. Since inflammation affects globulin levels, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and abstaining from alcohol can be beneficial.

Low Levels of Globulin - Low results are those where the albumin/globulin ratio is less than 1.1, and the globulin concentration is less than 2.3 g/dL. Low globulin levels could indicate malnutrition, liver, or renal illness. The A/G ratio might have been low due to one of these things:

• An autoimmune condition, like lupus
• Liver conditions such as cirrhosis
• Kidney problems 

Rising Levels - High globulin levels will depend on the cause of the low levels. Conditions affecting the liver and kidneys may need medication or other treatments. While some of these conditions, such as cirrhosis and lupus, cannot be cured, they may be made better with treatment. The therapy of the underlying medical issue, as well as consuming a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet, may be necessary for malnutrition that is linked to another health condition.

Conclusion

At CARE Hospitals, we provide comprehensive and high-end treatment plans with precise diagnostic services. However, before charting out a treatment for low globulin, our medical experts conduct a physical examination and then ask for a globulin blood test. Also, our pathologists are well trained with years of experience, who very gently pull out blood and put the patients at ease. 

Going for a globulin blood test? Book with us!

FAQs

1. What is the globulin normal range?

Ans. The globulin normal range is 2.0-3.5 grams per deciliter or 20 to 35 grams per litre. 

2. What can cause low globulin levels?

Ans. The causes of low globulin levels are - renal diseases, hepatic dysfunction, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, among many others. 

3. What are the symptoms of high globulin?

Ans. Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, fatigue, etc., are the symptoms of high globulin. 

4. What are the side effects of high globulin levels?

Ans. Some of the side effects of high globulin levels in the human body are - swelling in the legs, stomach, and eyes, weight loss, etc.