Serum globulin (GLB)

The globulins are a family of globular proteins that have higher molecular weights than albumins and are insoluble in pure water but dissolve in dilute salt solutions. Some globulins are produced in the liver, while others are made by the immune system. Globulins, albumins, and fibrinogen are the major blood proteins.

The same as other types of proteins, abnormal results of globulin levels can be determined in patients taken certain medications, with dehydration or under influence of other factors.

Abnormalities. Disorders or diseases caused or related.

Low globulin levels can be a sign of liver or kidney disease.

High levels of globulin may indicate infection, inflammatory disease or immune disorders. High globulin levels may also indicate certain types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, or malignant lymphoma.

What are normal globulin levels?

Blood tests measure globulin levels in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Because laboratories can use different techniques, results may vary from lab to lab.

Normal ranges include:

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.

Albumin to Globulin ratio

Alongside the serum total protein level, the albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio in the bloodstream is useful for diagnosing.

A low A/G ratio may be due to an overproduction of globulin, underproduction of albumin, or loss of albumin, which may indicate the following:

·        an autoimmune disease

·        cirrhosis, involving inflammation and scarring of the liver

·        multiple myeloma

nephrotic syndrome kidney disease

A high A/G ratio may suggest:

·        an underproduction of antibodies

·        leukaemia, or cancer of the bone marrow

1.                   Lab Tests Online [Internet]. Washington D.C.: American Association for Clinical Chemistry; c2001–2017. Total Protein and Albumin/Globulin (A/G) Ratio; [updated 2016; Apr 10; cited 2017 Feb 2]. Available from: https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/tp/tab/test/

2.                   Globulin blood test. (2017, December 19) https://medlineplus.gov/labtests/albuminbloodtest.html