Alpha-2 Globulin, Serum/Plasma — Electrophoresis, Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of proteins in the alpha-2 globulin region of a serum or plasma sample using electrophoresis.
["This test helps evaluate the distribution of blood proteins, including possible inflammation, liver conditions, or rare inherited protein disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2868-8
- Short code
- Alpha2 Glob SerPl Elph-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Alpha2 Glob SerPl Elph-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- 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?
Alpha-2 globulin is a region of the protein pattern measured during serum or plasma protein electrophoresis. This test estimates the amount of protein in that region, which includes several transport and protective proteins.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order it as part of a broader evaluation of an abnormal protein pattern, unexplained swelling, or symptoms that suggest inflammation, liver disease, kidney disease, or a rare inherited protein disorder.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is separated into its protein components using electrophoresis. The laboratory then estimates the concentration of proteins in the alpha-2 globulin region.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required. Follow any instructions from your clinician, and tell the laboratory if you have recently received certain medicines, such as intravenous immunoglobulin, because these can affect protein results.
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-2 globulin fraction may occur with inflammation or acute-phase conditions and can also be associated with some liver disorders. A decreased or otherwise unusual pattern may reflect impaired liver protein production, loss through the kidneys, malnutrition, or a rare inherited condition. Results must be interpreted with the complete protein pattern, symptoms, and other laboratory findings.
Short name
Alpha-2 Globulin
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an alpha-1 antitrypsin test?
Does a high or low result confirm a diagnosis?
Why are serum and plasma sometimes both listed?
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