Alpha-1 Globulin, Serum/Plasma — Electrophoresis, Mass Fraction
Measures the alpha-1 globulin fraction of total protein in serum or plasma using electrophoresis to help evaluate protein abnormalities.
["This test shows how much of your blood protein is in the alpha-1 globulin fraction."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72594-5
- Short code
- Alpha1 Glob MFr.DF SerPl Elph
- Synonyms
- Alpha1 Glob MFr.DF SerPl Elph
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- Critical range
- 7.2 N/A – 7.6 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 27550007
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures alpha-1 globulin as a fraction of total protein in a blood sample. Alpha-1 globulins are a group of transport and inflammatory proteins, including alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered as part of a serum protein electrophoresis panel to evaluate liver disease, kidney protein loss, inflammation, or a suspected monoclonal protein disorder. Your clinician will interpret it along with the other protein fractions.
How is the test performed?
A serum or plasma sample is separated by electrophoresis, and the alpha-1 globulin fraction is measured and reported relative to total protein. If the pattern is unusual, confirmatory testing may be recommended.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required, but follow any instructions from your healthcare provider or laboratory. Tell the lab if you are pregnant or have recently received a blood transfusion, because these can affect protein testing.
Reference range
Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An increased alpha-1 globulin fraction may occur with acute inflammation or infection, while a decreased fraction may be associated with liver disease, severe malnutrition, or loss of protein through the kidneys. An unusual electrophoresis pattern can also suggest a monoclonal protein disorder, but it does not diagnose cancer by itself. Results should be interpreted with total protein and the other electrophoresis fractions, and additional testing may be needed.
Short name
Alpha-1 Globulin by Electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same test as alpha-1 antitrypsin?
Does an abnormal result mean I have cancer?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy