What Is a Globulin Blood Test?
A globulin blood test checks the levels of globulins, which are a group of proteins found in the liquid part of your blood, known as serum. This test is also referred to as globulin electrophoresis in medical terms.
What is the Globulin Blood Test used for?
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Get A Second OpinionWhen Should I Get the Globulin Blood Test?
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Frequent itching
- Jaundice
- Dark-coloured urine and light-coloured stool
- Weakness
- Swelling and pain in the abdomen (belly)
- Swelling in your ankles and legs
A serum protein electrophoresis test determines the concentrations of several globulin subtypes and other proteins in the blood. This test may be prescribed by the doctor to identify problems with the immune system, such as:
What Happens During a Globulin Blood Test?
- Globulin testing is similar to blood tests. A blood test involves a healthcare provider taking blood from a vein in the arm with a small needle. After the insertion of the needle, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. One may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out. This normally takes under five minutes.
How to Prepare for the Globulin Blood Test?
Before the blood test, patients may need to fast for at least 12 hours, avoiding food and drinks. It's important to give the doctor a list of any prescription medications and supplements being taken, as certain medications, like corticosteroids, birth control pills, and insulin, can affect globulin levels. If any medications need to be paused before the test, the doctor will provide specific instructions.
Are there any risks to the test?
A blood test poses no risk. Some people may experience pain or bruises where the needle was inserted, but most of these symptoms will go away shortly.
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Book an AppointmentWhat do the results mean?
Low globulin levels may indicate liver or renal illness, as well as malnutrition. High globulin levels may indicate:
- Inflammatory disease
- Infection
- Immune disorders
- Certain cancers, such as malignant lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or Hodgkin lymphoma
Certain medications, dehydration, or other conditions can also cause abnormal readings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal globulin level?
The normal value of globulin levels: Serum globulin: 20-35 grams per liter (g/L) or 2.0 to 3.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
What does it mean if the globulin is low?
If globulin levels fall below the normal range, it can indicate several serious health problems such as renal disease, hepatic dysfunction, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and acute hemolytic anemia.
Why is the globulin test important?
Protein levels in the blood are measured by globulin blood tests. High levels could indicate an autoimmune condition, infection, or malignancy. A low globulin level could indicate liver or kidney illness.
Can low globulin be treated?
Eating lean protein, such as fish, can help raise total protein levels and treat low globulin. It may also be beneficial to boost the consumption of foods that aid liver and kidney detoxification.
What are the other names for the globulin test?
Serum electrophoresis is the name given to the globulin test. It is a blood test that determines the concentrations of four different types of globulins.
Does stress increase globulin?
Gamma-globulin levels declined after the first stress exposure but they increased after subsequent exposures.
Does high globulin mean diabetes?
Diabetes risk has also been linked to elevated globulin levels.
Can dehydration cause high globulins?
Yes, dehydration can have an impact on globulin levels. When people are dehydrated, their globulin levels rise.
Does pregnancy affect globulin levels?
Yes, globulin levels are higher in pregnant women. Total protein levels rise during pregnancy and then return to normal after childbirth. This variation is normal and usually not cause for concern.
What is the cost of the globulin test?
The cost of the globulin test is approximately Rs. 160- Rs. 300.
