Globulin Test: Normal, High and Low Levels

Globulin is a kind of globular protein which has a molecular weight than albumins. It can insoluble in pure water but can be soluble in dilute salt solutions. They are essential for human growth, development, and maintenance of health. Abnormal globulin levels usually indicate some underlying health problems. However, What is high or low globulin levels? 

According to Medlineplus.gov, the normal value of Serum globulin are 2.0 to 3.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 20 to 35 grams per liter (g/L). But what do the high or low globulin levels mean? This article will discuss what globulin, globulin test, and globulin levels are.

What Is Globulin?

There are two types of proteins in the human body: albumin and globulin. Albumin accounts for about 60% of total protein, and globulin accounts for 40%. Albumin is produced by the liver. It nourishes tissues, delivers vitamins, drugs, and hormones, and prevents fluid leakage from blood vessels.

Globulins are a special group of proteins in the blood that include antibodies, enzymes, carrier proteins, and other proteins.  Most of the globulin is produced in the liver, and the immune system produces a small amount.

The primary function of globulin is to fight infection, help blood clots, and transport nutrients to muscles. In addition, it acts as plasma cells and regulates the circulatory system. To maintain healthy circulation, there must be enough globulin in the human blood.

Globulin Types

There are three major types of globulins: alpha, beta, and gamma.

Alpha globulins are a type of globulin that is primarily responsible for transporting lipids and fatty acids throughout the body. They are also involved in transporting iron and other minerals and hormones. Alpha globulins are produced in the liver and are found in the bloodstream in high concentrations.

Beta globulins are primarily responsible for transporting iron throughout the body and for regulating hormones. Beta globulins are produced in the liver and can also be found in the bloodstream in high concentrations.

Gamma globulins are the most abundant type of globulin and are responsible for providing immunity to the body. They are produced in the spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. Gamma globulins are found in the bloodstream in very low concentrations.

Globulin Test
Globulin Test: Normal and Abnormal Globulin Levels

What is a Globulin Test?

A globulin test is a medical test used to evaluate the levels of two types of proteins, known as albumin and globulins, in a person’s blood. Albumin and globulins are important proteins that help transport nutrients and perform other important functions in the body.

The globulin test involves a simple blood draw taken from the arm. Once the sample is obtained, it is sent to a laboratory for testing. In the laboratory, the sample is tested to measure the levels of both albumin and globulins.

The test results are then compared to normal values for the patient’s age, sex, and health status. If the levels of albumin or globulins are too high or too low, this could indicate an underlying health condition such as liver or kidney disease.

A globulin test is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring many different conditions. It is a safe, non-invasive, and inexpensive test that can provide important information about a person’s overall health.

Types of tests can be used to measure globulin

Types of tests used to measure globulin include total protein, albumin/globulin ratio, and urine protein electrophoresis.

The total protein is the most common test used to measure globulin, as it provides a general overview of the amount of globulin in the blood.

The albumin/globulin ratio is an important test to measure globulin because it gives an indication of the balance of the two proteins.

Urine protein electrophoresis is a test that is used to detect diseases and is useful for finding abnormal levels of globulin.

In addition to these tests, other types of tests can be used to measure globulin levels. These include immunofixation electrophoresis and serum immunoelectrophoresis.

Globulin Ratio

The globulin-to-albumin ratio is as known as the A/G ratio. The normal ratio is usually between 1.2-2.0. If the ratio becomes extreme, your body may have potential health problems. A low ratio can indicate kidney disease, liver disease, or autoimmune disorders. A high ratio may indicate some genetic conditions or certain types of cancer.

Although low or high Globulin levels may indicate certain diseases, some abnormal results may also be caused by dehydration, medication, or other factors. Therefore, the result of this test alone is not sufficient for diagnosis. The doctor needs to consider other laboratory indicators and your overall health.

Facts about Globulin Test

  • The globulin test usually does not require any special preparation. But if you plan to do other blood tests, do not eat or drink a few hours before the test.
  • The test is basically risk-free. You may feel slight pain when entering or exiting the needle.
  • The test time is short, usually less than five minutes.
  • You do not need to perform any other tests if the results are normal. However, the doctor may recommend other tests if the results are abnormal.

Normal Globulin Levels

A common method of determining globulin levels is subtracting albumin from total protein. The normal range of globulin in an adult is about 2.0 to 3.5 g/dL (20-35 g/L). Some laboratory standards are 2.0-3.9 g/dL (20-39 g/L) or 2.6-4.6 g/dL (26-46 g/L).

The difference in the value range is due to differences in equipment, technology, and chemicals used. In some cases, the globulin levels may be elevated. For example, high globulin levels during pregnancy are normal.

Globulin in the normal range usually means that enzymes, antibodies, and carrier proteins maintain a normal balance. Your body has not suffered from inflammation, viral infection, or immune disease.

However, the test result does not mean that there is no medical condition. Your doctor will diagnose based on medical history, physical examination, and other tests.

High Globulin Levels

Studies have shown that high globulin increases the risk of disease and death. This is because an increase in immunoglobulin indicates increased inflammation in the body. This explains why older people with higher globulin levels are more likely to die than older people with lower globulin levels.

High globulin levels usually indicate infection, immune disorders, or inflammatory disease. These conditions typically include leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, kidney disease, syphilis, ulcerative colitis, and autoimmune diseases.

In some cases, high globulin levels may also indicate certain types of cancer, such as malignant lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or Hodgkin’s disease.

However, abnormal results may also be due to dehydration, viral and bacterial infections, and certain drugs. You need to perform further tests to determine which of these diseases is causing the globulin levels.

To reduce high globulin levels, you can participate in some aerobic exercises and strength exercises. These exercises can help significantly reduce globulin levels. During exercise, you need to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

You may also need to stop taking protein supplements which may cause globulin levels to rise. In addition, too much stress can also increase certain types of globulin. You can reduce stress by running, doing yoga, meditating, or listening to music.

Mildly elevated globulin levels

Mildly elevated globulin levels can be caused by several different factors.

The most common cause of mildly elevated globulin levels is an infection. This can be anything from a simple cold to a more severe infection like HIV or hepatitis. In these cases, the body produces increased amounts of globulin to fight the infection.

Another possible cause of mildly elevated globulin levels is inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or illness and can cause increased levels of globulin in the blood.

Finally, certain medications can also cause mildly elevated globulin levels. These medications include steroids, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants. If you are taking any of these medications and notice your globulin levels increasing, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.

It’s important to note that mild increases in globulin levels are usually nothing to worry about, but if your levels remain elevated for an extended period, it may be a sign that something is more serious.

Low Globulin Levels

Common causes of low globulin levels include kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and congenital immune deficiency. In addition, acromegaly, acute hemolytic anemia, lung cancer, oligoglobulinemia, and gamma globulinemia can also lead to decreased globulin levels.

These diseases usually affect the digestive system’s ability to absorb and decompose proteins and globulin production. Like high globulin levels, doctors need other indicators to determine the root cause of symptoms.

Diet therapy is a simple and effective way to increase globulin levels in the body. You can add foods that help detoxify the kidneys and liver in your diet. These foods include asparagus, garlic, onions, beets, cabbage, and broccoli.

Studies have shown that probiotic supplements such as Bacillus polyfermentum and Lactobacillus Plantarum also help increase globulin, especially immunoglobulin. In addition, regular intake of lean protein, such as turkey and fish, can help increase protein levels.

Conclusion

Both high and low globulin levels can indicate potential health problems.  You need a medical examination to determine if the globulin level is normal. However, abnormal results may be caused by dehydration, certain medications, or other factors in some cases.

You need to consult your doctor to determine what your results mean. Doctors usually determine the cause of abnormal globulin levels based on test results and other data. Then they will use drugs or natural remedies to help you restore globulin to normal levels.

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