Cryoglobulin Types, Serum, Immunofixation/Electrophoresis
This test detects and classifies cryoglobulins—proteins that clump in cooled serum—to help evaluate conditions such as cryoglobulinemia and certain blood or autoimmune disorders.
["Cryoglobulin typing identifies which type of abnormal cold-sensitive protein is present to guide further evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48638-1
- Short code
- Cryoglob Typ Ser IFE
- Synonyms
- Cryoglob Typ Ser IFE
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immunofixation
- 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 Are Cryoglobulins?
Cryoglobulins are abnormal proteins in the blood that thicken or precipitate when blood is cooled below body temperature and redissolve when warmed. Their presence can affect circulation and cause symptoms such as skin rashes, joint pain, or nerve problems.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is collected and kept warm before the serum is separated. The serum is then chilled so any cryoglobulins can be seen, measured, and further analyzed to determine which type is present.
Understanding the Types
Cryoglobulins are broadly grouped into types based on the kinds of proteins involved. Type I usually involves a single antibody type, while Types II and III involve mixtures of antibodies, often linked to infections, autoimmune disease, or other conditions.
What Your Results Can Mean
A positive result means cryoglobulins were detected and the report describes their type and amount. A negative result means none were found under the test conditions. Your clinician interprets results alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cryoglobulin testing supports the diagnosis and monitoring of cryoglobulinemia and can aid evaluation of autoimmune, infectious, or blood-related conditions. Results are interpreted in the context of symptoms, other laboratory findings, and clinical history; a negative result does not entirely exclude disease if sample handling is imperfect.
Short name
Cryoglobulin Typing
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for a cryoglobulin test?
Why must the blood sample be kept warm?
What symptoms might prompt 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