Globulin Blood Test: Purpose, Procedure, and More

The group of proteins in your blood is called globulins. They are round-shaped and involved in liver function, blood coagulation, and protection against infection. There are three major types of globulins: alpha, beta, and gamma. Your immune system and some of your liver produce some globulins. 

The blog comprehensively guides the globulin blood test, its purpose, normal range, and more. Let’s discover it in detail. 

What are the tests performed to check globulin levels?

The tests that help measure globulins include: 

• A total protein test helps measure the total protein concentration in your blood. Globulins and albumin are the two main proteins measured in this blood test. Low protein levels show liver or renal illness. 
• Serum protein electrophoresis: Gamma globulins and other proteins present in your blood are typically measured. The test helps diagnose immune system disorders, including cancers such as multiple myeloma. 

What is the purpose of a globulin blood test?

A total protein test is included in a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test, often a part of a routine health checkup that helps measure proteins and other substances in your blood. The globulin test is used to diagnose various conditions, such as liver diseases, kidney diseases, certain types of cancer, nutritional deficiencies, and issues with the immune system. 

Your doctor may also order other tests, such as liver function tests (LFT), to know how well your liver works. Besides, if you are at risk for liver disease due to the following symptoms, in that case, also your healthcare provider may suggest the test such as: 

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Lack of appetite
3. Fatigue
4. Weakness
5. Jaundice
6. Swelling or pain in your abdomen 
7. Swollen ankles and legs
8. dark-colored urine
9. Light-colored poop
10. Frequent itching 

On the other hand, a serum protein electrophoresis test is an all-in-one test that helps measure the levels of the different types of globulins and other types of proteins in your blood. A doctor may suggest the test to diagnose immune system-related disorders, such as: 

• Allergies
• Multiple myeloma
• Autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis 

How can you prepare for a globulin test?

Consult your healthcare provider before taking the globulin test. Your doctor may suggest avoiding certain medicines and fasting before the test. The ingredients of certain medicines can interfere with the test results, and fasting can help improve the accuracy of your test results. 

To avoid such complications, only make decisions yourself if your healthcare provider asks you to get the most accurate globulin test results. 

What is the procedure for a total protein and A/G ratio test?

A inserts a needle into your vein to take a blood sample. After inserting the needle, he collects a small amount of blood into a vial. The procedure may cause pain, and you may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out. However, it is 100% normal. 

A globulin blood test is simple and involves very little risk, such as slight pain or bruising at the puncture site. But these symptoms will fade away quickly. 

Additionally, a total protein test also presents the albumin-to-globulin ratio (A/G ratio). The normal A/G ratio is between 1.1 and 2.5, but it may vary. 

Understanding of the globulin test results: 

Your test results will show either normal, low, or high total protein levels. They will also reveal the status of the albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio: 

Low albumin levels could be a sign of: 

• Liver disease, including cirrhosis 
• Kidney disease
• Malnutrition 
• A malabsorption syndrome
• Thyroid disease
• Severe burns
• Pregnancy

High albumin levels may be due to: 

• Severe dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Acute infections
• Severe burns
• Stress from surgery
• Heart attack

Globulin high means: 

• HIV or viral hepatitis
• Multiple myeloma (which is a blood cancer) 
• Hodgkin lymphoma (also called Hodgkin disease)
• Infection
• Tuberculosis

• Leukemia
• Genetic disorders

Low albumin levels may be due to: 

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• An inflammatory disease 

Note: Your doctor will consider your family medical history and blood test results to understand your globulin test results. Feel free to discuss questions about your results with your healthcare provider. 

What are the normal globulin levels?

The normal globulin range varies depending on the laboratories as the expert uses different techniques; therefore, the results may also vary. 

Normal Ranges	Parameters
Total proteins	6.3 to 8.0 g/dL.
Albumin	3.9 to 4.9 g/dL
Globulin	2.0 to 3.5 g/dL

Conclusion

Albumin and globulin are proteins found in the blood. Too high levels of these proteins can indicate cancers, autoimmune diseases, or infections. Too low levels may be a sign of kidney or liver-related problems. As a result, your healthcare provider may suggest additional tests to make an accurate diagnosis. 

A note from Redcliffe Labs

If your healthcare provider suggests a globulin test to check for globulin high or low levels, you need not delay; get yourself tested now!

Book a globulin test from Redcliffe Labs for INR 149 only! 

Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab—Redcliffe Labs is one of the most trusted and fastest-growing diagnostic services in PAN India. It focuses on blood tests, preventive health checks, and a wide range of other services for patients' convenience. 

If suggested, download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app or call to book a blood test to measure your globulin levels for just Rs 149 only. The phlebotomist will arrive at your doorstep with a blood sample collection kit. Get the most accurate reports typically within 12 hours. 

Step-by-step information on booking a globulin blood test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.