Serum Globulin

Why test for Serum Globulin at Symbion VIP Diagnostics, Ahmedabad ?

Globulins are a group of proteins in your blood. They are made in your liver by your immune system. Globulins play an important role in liver function, blood clotting, and fighting infection. There are four main types of globulins. They are called alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, and gamma. Just as there are different types of globulins, there are different types of globulin tests. These include:

• Total protein test. This blood test measures two types of proteins: globulin and albumin. If protein levels are low, it can mean that you have liver or kidney disease.
• Serum protein electrophoresis. This blood test measures gamma globulins and other proteins in your blood. It can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including disorders of the immune system and a type of cancer called multiple myeloma.

Globulin tests can be used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, including:

• Liver damage or disease
• Kidney disease
• Nutritional problems
• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain types of cancer

Your health care provider may order globulin tests as part your regular checkup or to help diagnose specific conditions. A total protein test may be included in a series of tests to check how well your liver is working. These tests, called liver function tests, may be ordered if you are at risk for liver disease or have symptoms of liver disease, which may include:

• Jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow
• Nausea and vomiting
• Itching
• Recurring fatigue
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen, feet, and legs
• Loss of appetite

A serum protein electrophoresis test measures gamma globulins and other proteins. This test may be ordered to diagnose disorders related to the immune system, including:

• Allergies
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple myeloma, a type of cancer