Globulin, Serum
Understanding Globulin, Serum
What is Globulin, Serum?
The Globulin, Serum test is used to measure the amount of globulin protein in your body. This test is used to detect various health problems, including liver diseases, kidney diseases, acute infections, inflammatory diseases, and immunity-related diseases. It is often performed as part of routine health checkups.
Proteins are responsible for forming the structural part of most of the body's organs and also help in making enzymes and hormones. Globulin protein is needed by the body for growth and development.
Your doctor may suggest the Globulin, Serum test if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, abnormal urination, unexplained swelling in legs and feet, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and allergy. This test may also be used to check the response of an undergoing treatment related to the liver and kidneys and to determine your nutritional status. Usually, overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is preferred before a globulin test; eat or drink anything except water before the test.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your overall health, and formulate your treatment plan.
What is Globulin, Serum used for?
The Globulin, Serum test is done:
- As part of routine health checkups.
- If you have symptoms suggestive of liver disease.
- If you have symptoms suggestive of kidney disease.
- If you have symptoms of allergy.
- To monitor the treatment response and progression of an existing liver and kidney disease.
- To determine the nutritional status.
What does Globulin, Serum measure?
The Globulin, Serum test measures the levels of globulin protein in the blood. Globulin is one of the major proteins (about 40% of the total protein) found in the body and is produced by the liver and immune cells. It usually exists in different forms: alpha globulins, beta globulins, and gamma globulins. These forms play an important role in liver and kidney functioning, blood clotting, and fighting off infections.
Interpreting Globulin, Serum results
Interpretations
The normal range for serum globulin content is 2.0-3.5 g/dl.