Globulin Test
Reviewed
Also called: Serum globulin electrophoresis, Total protein test
Globulins are a group of proteins in your blood that play an important role in liver and kidney function, blood clotting, and fighting infection. This test measures globulin levels to help diagnose various conditions.
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. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. 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
Your globulin test results are reported as levels in your blood. The following patterns describe what different results may suggest. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your overall health and other tests.
- Low globulin levels: May be a sign of liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. Limitation: Abnormal results can also be caused by certain medicines, dehydration, pregnancy, or other conditions. This result alone does not confirm a diagnosis. Next step: Your provider will consider your symptoms and may order additional tests to determine the cause.
- High globulin levels: May be a sign of infection, inflammatory disease, an immune disorder, certain cancers (such as multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, or malignant lymphoma), or tuberculosis. Limitation: Abnormal results can also be caused by certain medicines, dehydration, pregnancy, or other conditions. This result alone does not confirm a diagnosis. Next step: Your provider will consider your symptoms and may order additional tests to determine the cause.
- 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. They will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to determine if further evaluation is needed.
- 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?