Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, How It Is Performed, and What Your Results Mean
This blood test measures beta 2 and gamma globulin proteins in your blood to help diagnose conditions affecting your immune system, liver, and kidneys.
{"Measures specific protein fractions (beta 2 and gamma globulins) in blood","Helps diagnose liver disease, immune disorders, and certain cancers","Simple blood draw test with no special preparation required","Results show if your immune system is working properly"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44912-4
- Short code
- B2GGLOB
- Synonyms
- Beta2+Gamma Glob MFr SerPl Elph
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) - red top or gold top; plasma may use lithium heparin tube (green top)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.7
- Ref high
- 2
- Critical range
- 7.2 N/A – 7.6 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 84165 (Protein electrophoresis, serum); 84155 (Total protein)
- SNOMED
- 104182003 (Serum protein electrophoresis)
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum or plasma (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 500
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a laboratory analysis that helps your healthcare provider evaluate your overall health, screen for medical conditions, diagnose symptoms, or monitor an existing condition or ongoing treatment plan.
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) is a laboratory test that separates the proteins in your blood to measure their different types. This specific test focuses on beta 2 globulin and gamma globulin, two important fractions of blood proteins. Gamma globulins are primarily antibodies (immunoglobulins) that help fight infections, while beta 2 globulins include proteins like transferrin and complement proteins that help transport iron and support immune function.
A trained healthcare professional will clean the site, usually the inside of your elbow, draw a small sample of blood with a sterile needle, and send it to a laboratory. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes.
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes electrophoresis—a process that uses an electrical current to separate the different protein fractions. You do not need to fast or make any special preparations before this test.
Your results are compared with established reference ranges. Values within the normal range generally indicate typical organ function, while abnormal values may suggest a condition that requires further evaluation by your provider.
Your results will show the percentage and sometimes the absolute amount of beta 2 and gamma globulins compared to total protein. Your doctor will interpret these results along with other tests and your overall health condition to make a diagnosis.
Reference range
Beta 2 globulin: 0.1-0.4 g/dL; Gamma globulin: 0.6-1.6 g/dL; Beta 2 + Gamma globulin combined approximately 0.7-2.0 g/dL (varies by laboratory); Total protein: 6.0-8.3 g/dLN/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patient should be well-hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated gamma globulins (hypergammaglobulinemia) may indicate chronic liver disease, chronic inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), certain infections, or plasma cell disorders like multiple myeloma. Decreased gamma globulins (hypogammaglobulinemia) may suggest an immune deficiency disorder. Elevated beta 2 globulins can occur in kidney disease, certain cancers, or states of iron deficiency, while decreased levels may indicate malnutrition or protein-losing conditions. This test is often used to monitor disease progression and treatment response.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Is this test painful?
Can this test diagnose cancer?
What conditions can affect gamma globulin levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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