Globulin:
Why Globulin Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
The liver synthesizes most of the proteins found in the blood that is required for the body. There are two main types of proteins in the blood – they are albumin and globulins. Albumin keeps the blood intact from leaking out of the blood vessels and also aids in the transport of certain substances through the blood. Moreover, albumin helps in tissue growth and healing. Globulin is a group of proteins in the blood that helps to regulate the function of the circulatory system. Globulin proteins have several other functions for instance blood clotting, transporting substances like binding proteins (eg. SHBG - Sex Hormone Binding Globulins and also transports nutrients throughout the body), immune defence system to fight against infection, enzymatic role etc. Abnormal levels of globulins can lead to health issues. There are 4 types of globulin fractions alpha-1, alpha-2, beta and gamma globulin proteins. Globulin test (also referred to as Gamma Gap) can help screen for the diagnosis of liver diseases, kidney disease, malnutrition, mal-absorption, disorders of the immune system and/or certain forms of cancer. High globulin levels may be due to infections (fever), myeloma (tumours of the bone), lymphoproliferative disorders (lymphadenopathy and unexplained bleeding), cancers (weight loss), anaemia (fatigue and shortness of breath), amyloidosis (symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome) etc. High globulin levels can be a sign of conditions including hyperactive immune system like exaggerated immune response due to hypersensitivity like allergies, autoimmune disorders (like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), Hodgkin disease, hemolytic anaemia, Tuberculosis and cancers of b-cell known as multiple myeloma etc. Low globulin levels may be due to causes like renal disease, hepatic dysfunction, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, acute hemolytic anaemia etc. Symptoms of low globulins include fluid build-up i.e swelling of feet, legs, ankles, feet, abdomen, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, hematuria etc, furthermore low globulins are indicative or a sign of liver disease or dysfunction. Risk factors include conditions like stress (it is found to increase alpha-1 globulin fraction), nephrotic syndrome (elevates alpha-2 macro-globulin levels) and hemolytic anaemia is found to decrease haptoglobin level, whereas factors such as stress, infection, inflammation, tissue necrosis increase the levels of haptoglobin. A globulin test (serum protein electrophoresis) is a blood test that measures the levels of globulins (a group of proteins) present in the blood and moreover, as a part of the liver function test, liver protein levels are also measured. A total protein and/or albumin/globulin ratio (i.e A/G ratio) test measures the total amount of proteins in the blood. An altered A/G ratio indicates certain pathologies like genetic disorders, leukaemia, severe dehydration etc.
Liver proteins are both estimated as qualitative and quantitative analysis according to the investigations to be analyzed by the physician based on the pathology of the patient. Certain factors that could alter the globulin test include dextran, hormones like androgens, corticosteroids, GH, insulin, estrogen, progesterone and medications such as chlorpromazine, isoniazid, neomycin, phenacemide, salicylates, sulfonamides, tolbutamide etc. Other tests include immuno-fixation blood tests.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample collected from the vein. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RT DIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
