Complete Blood Count (CBC): What This Blood Test Measures and What Your Results Mean
This test measures the levels of beta and gamma globulin proteins in your blood as a percentage of total protein.
{"Beta and gamma globulins are proteins that help fight infection and transport nutrients","Abnormal levels may indicate liver disease, infections, or immune system disorders","The test is performed using a technique called electrophoresis","Results help doctors diagnose conditions like multiple myeloma and chronic liver disease","A small blood sample is all that's needed for this test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44914-0
- Short code
- SPEP-BG
- Synonyms
- B+G-Globulin MFr SerPl Elph
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) - red-top or gold-top tube preferred; alternatively plain red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 13
- Ref high
- 23
- Critical range
- 7.2 N/A – 7.6 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 84165
- SNOMED
- 104267008
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable at room temperature for 8 hours, refrigerated at 2-8°C for 7 days, frozen at -20°C for 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests. It measures the different cells that make up your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and helps your doctor evaluate your overall health and screen for a wide range of conditions.
The Beta Globulin and Gamma Globulin test is part of a blood test called serum protein electrophoresis (SPE). It measures the percentage of two specific types of proteins—beta globulins and gamma globulins—in your blood relative to the total protein. Beta globulins help transport hormones, lipids, and iron, while gamma globulins are antibodies that protect your body from infections. This test helps doctors evaluate your immune system, liver function, and overall protein health.
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm, using a thin needle. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch or sting. The sample is then sent to a laboratory, where the cells are counted and analyzed.
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes electrophoresis—a technique that separates proteins based on their electrical charge. The lab measures the beta and gamma globulin fractions and calculates their percentage of the total protein. No special preparation is typically needed, though your doctor may ask you to fast for a few hours before the test.
Your results show whether your blood cell counts fall within normal ranges. Abnormal levels may point to conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting problems. Your doctor will interpret your values together with your symptoms, medical history, and other test results.
Normal ranges vary slightly by laboratory, but generally, beta globulins make up about 8-14% of total protein, and gamma globulins make up about 12-22%. Elevated gamma globulin levels may indicate chronic inflammation, liver disease, infections, or conditions like multiple myeloma. Low levels may suggest immune deficiencies or protein loss. Elevated beta globulins may occur in certain liver diseases, kidney disease, or some cancers. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
Beta globulin + Gamma globulin fraction typically represents 13-23% of total serum protein (approximately 1.0-1.7 g/dL combined). Beta globulin fraction: 7-13% (0.7-1.1 g/dL); Gamma globulin fraction: 6-16% (0.6-1.6 g/dL). Reference ranges vary by laboratory and electrophoresis method.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Recent blood transfusions, immunoglobulin therapy, or vaccination may transiently alter results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is clinically significant for detecting and monitoring several conditions: Multiple Myeloma and other plasma cell disorders often show a characteristic spike in gamma globulins. Chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis may alter both beta and gamma globulin levels. Chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can elevate gamma globulins. Immune deficiencies may show reduced gamma globulin production. Kidney disease affecting protein loss may also be detected. The test helps doctors differentiate between various disorders that affect protein metabolism and guide appropriate treatment decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the test painful?
Do I need to fast before the test?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
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