Alpha Globulin Abnormal, Serum/Plasma — Electrophoresis, Mass Concentration
A serum protein electrophoresis test that measures the amount of protein in the alpha-globulin region and identifies an abnormal pattern.
["An abnormal alpha-globulin finding may reflect inflammation, liver disease, or a protein disorder and should be interpreted with the full electrophoresis report."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53539-3
- Short code
- Alpha Glob.abnormal SerPl Elph-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Alpha Glob.abnormal 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?
This test uses serum protein electrophoresis to separate proteins in a blood sample into groups, including albumin and the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-globulin regions. It reports the concentration and pattern of proteins in the alpha-globulin region.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to investigate an unexplained protein pattern, monitor a known condition, or help evaluate findings such as a high or low globulin level. It is often interpreted alongside the albumin, beta-globulin, and gamma-globulin results.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is separated into serum or plasma, and the proteins are separated by electrophoresis. The resulting bands are analyzed to estimate the amount and distribution of each protein fraction.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required, but follow the instructions provided by the laboratory or your clinician. Tell the care team about any medicines, recent transfusions, or pregnancy-related changes that could affect the protein pattern.
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 abnormal alpha-globulin result can occur with inflammatory conditions, liver disease, malnutrition, or changes in immunoglobulin levels. A distinct or disproportionate band may also suggest a monoclonal protein, which can be associated with a plasma-cell disorder; the complete electrophoresis pattern and, when appropriate, additional testing are needed for interpretation.
Short name
Alpha globulin electrophoresis
Frequently asked questions
Does an abnormal alpha-globulin result mean I have cancer?
Is this the same as an alpha-1 antitrypsin test?
Will I need another test after this result?
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