Alpha-2 Globulin details
What Alpha-2 Globulin shows
Alpha-2 globulin is one of the protein fractions measured on a protein electrophoresis test, made up mainly of haptoglobin (which binds free hemoglobin) and alpha-2 macroglobulin. Elevated alpha-2 globulin is a fairly nonspecific finding, often seen with inflammation, nephrotic syndrome (a kidney condition causing significant protein loss in urine), or certain cancers. Low levels can occur when red blood cells are being broken down rapidly (hemolysis), since haptoglobin gets used up binding the released hemoglobin. As with the other protein fractions, this result is interpreted as part of the overall electrophoresis pattern rather than as a standalone marker.
Tests that include Alpha-2 Globulin
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) is an analytical technique that provides separation of serum protein into six fractions: Albumin, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, Beta-2, and Gamma. Interpretation of elevation, decreased, or visual change in different fractions can be used as a diagnostic aid for a variety of different disease states and protein abnormalities, including monoclonal gammopathies (MG).
- Albumin The main protein made by your liver, which helps balance fluids and carries hormones, vitamins, and medications through your blood. Low levels can point to liver, kidney, or nutrition issues.
- Alpha-1 Globulin One of the protein groups measured in a protein electrophoresis test. Changes in this fraction can be an early sign of inflammation or certain liver or lung conditions.
- Alpha-2 Globulin One of the protein groups measured in a protein electrophoresis test. Elevated levels are often seen with inflammation, kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome), or certain cancers.
- Beta-1 Globulin One of the protein groups measured in a protein electrophoresis test, which includes transferrin. Changes can relate to iron status or certain liver and kidney conditions.
- Gamma Globulin The protein fraction that includes most of your antibodies (immunoglobulins). Elevated levels can reflect chronic infection, inflammation, or certain blood disorders.
- Total Protein The combined amount of all proteins in your blood, mainly albumin and globulins, used to help evaluate liver, kidney, and nutritional status.
- Abnormal Protein Band 1 Measures the amount of an unusual protein band found on serum protein electrophoresis, often a monoclonal protein that needs further testing to identify.
- Abnormal Protein Band 2 Measures the amount of an unusual protein band found on serum protein electrophoresis, often a monoclonal protein that needs further testing to identify.
- Abnormal Protein Band 3 Measures the amount of an unusual protein band found on serum protein electrophoresis, often a monoclonal protein that needs further testing to identify.
- Beta 2 Globulin Measures the beta-2 globulin fraction on serum protein electrophoresis, a group of blood proteins that includes the immune protein complement C3.
Serum protein electrophoresis is an analytical technique that separates serum protein into six fractions: Albumin, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, Beta-2, and Gamma. It is used to evaluate collagen diseases, inflammatory states, macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom, monoclonal gammopathies, and myeloma.
- Albumin The main protein made by your liver, which helps balance fluids and carries hormones, vitamins, and medications through your blood. Low levels can point to liver, kidney, or nutrition issues.
- Albumin/Globulin Ratio Compares your two main blood protein types, albumin and globulin. An abnormal ratio can point toward liver disease, kidney problems, or immune system conditions.
- Alpha-1 Globulin One of the protein groups measured in a protein electrophoresis test. Changes in this fraction can be an early sign of inflammation or certain liver or lung conditions.
- Alpha-2 Globulin One of the protein groups measured in a protein electrophoresis test. Elevated levels are often seen with inflammation, kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome), or certain cancers.
- Beta-1 Globulin One of the protein groups measured in a protein electrophoresis test, which includes transferrin. Changes can relate to iron status or certain liver and kidney conditions.
- Gamma Globulin The protein fraction that includes most of your antibodies (immunoglobulins). Elevated levels can reflect chronic infection, inflammation, or certain blood disorders.
- Globulin A group of blood proteins that includes antibodies and various transport proteins. Assessed together with albumin to evaluate liver, kidney, and immune function.
- M-Spike A distinctive spike seen on protein electrophoresis caused by an abnormal, single clone of antibody protein. Used to screen for and monitor conditions like multiple myeloma.
- Total Protein The combined amount of all proteins in your blood, mainly albumin and globulins, used to help evaluate liver, kidney, and nutritional status.
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