Globulin Test
Reviewed
Also called: Serum globulin electrophoresis, Total protein test
Globulins are a group of proteins in your blood. Globulins play an important role in liver and kidney function, blood clotting, and fighting infection.
Specimen: blood
Why this test may be ordered
- As part of a routine checkup
- To help diagnose specific conditions when you have symptoms
- To monitor liver or kidney problems
- If you have symptoms of kidney or liver disease
- To diagnose disorders related to your immune system
Preparation and collection
You may need to stop taking certain medicines before this test, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. If your globulin test is part of another blood test, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test.
Globulin tests are blood tests. During a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
The levels of specific globulins provide information about how well your immune system is working.
- Low globulin levels: Low globulin levels may be a sign of: Liver disease, Kidney disease, Malnutrition Limitation: Certain medicines, dehydration, pregnancy, or other conditions may also cause abnormal results. Next step: Talk with your provider to learn what your results mean.
- High globulin levels: High globulin levels may be a sign of: Infection, Inflammatory disease, An immune disorder Limitation: Certain medicines, dehydration, pregnancy, or other conditions may also cause abnormal results. Next step: Talk with your provider to learn what your results mean.
- Abnormal results can be caused by certain medicines, dehydration, pregnancy, or other conditions.
- This test alone does not diagnose a specific condition; it is used along with other tests and your symptoms.
- There is very little risk to having a blood test, but you may experience slight pain or bruising at the needle site.
What to do next
Talk with your provider to learn what your results mean.
- What do my globulin levels indicate about my health?
- Do I need any additional tests based on my results?
- Should I be concerned about any symptoms I have?
- How often should I have this test repeated?
- Are there any medications or supplements I should avoid before future tests?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.