Serum globulin levels: what globulin in a blood test means
Serum globulin is the group of proteins in your blood that is not albumin. Globulins are produced mainly by your liver and your immune system, and include antibodies, enzymes, carrier proteins and complement proteins. [1] Your globulin level is worked out by subtracting albumin from total serum protein, and a high or low level can point a doctor towards further questions. [1]
What is globulin in a blood test?
In a blood test, globulin is the name for a large family of proteins that sits alongside albumin. Globulins are a vital group of proteins found within your blood, produced primarily by your liver and your immune system. [1]
While albumin makes up more than half of the total protein within the blood, globulins make up the remainder and play a crucial role in keeping you healthy. [1] As the NHS explains, proteins are important for the health and growth of the body's cells and tissues. [2]
On a results report you will usually see globulin listed near total protein and albumin, because the three figures are linked.
What does globulin do in the body?
Globulins have multiple different functions. The group includes:
- immunoglobulins (antibodies)
- enzymes
- carrier proteins
- complement proteins [1]
Because antibodies are part of the group, globulins play a vital role in your immune system as well as reflecting liver function. [1]
What are the types of globulin?
There are four main groups of globulins: alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins. [1]
| Globulin group | What the group is known for |
|---|---|
| Alpha-1 | One of the four main globulin groups [1] |
| Alpha-2 | One of the four main globulin groups [1] |
| Beta | One of the four main globulin groups [1] |
| Gamma | Mostly immunoglobulins: the antibodies your immune system uses to fight off infections [1] |
The gamma globulins are mostly immunoglobulins, which are the antibodies your immune system uses to fight off infections. [1] These antibodies, such as IgG, IgA, and IgM, are responsible for identifying and neutralising foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. [1]
How is serum globulin measured?
Serum globulin is calculated from two other results. A total protein test, which is often part of a liver function test profile, measures the amount of protein in your blood. [2] Subtracting albumin from the total serum protein leaves the total globulin level. [1]
A total protein test, often performed alongside liver function tests, can help determine your globulin levels. [3]
If you only want the overall protein figure, the Total Protein Blood Test measures it on its own. The Globulin Blood Test gives you the globulin result directly, so you do not need to do the arithmetic yourself.
What do high globulin levels mean?
An increased total globulin level can be a sign of an acute infection or a chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. [1]
Put another way, a raised level can be a sign that your immune system is actively fighting an acute infection or dealing with a chronic inflammatory condition. [1]
A raised result is a prompt for a conversation, not a diagnosis. If your globulin levels suggest an ongoing inflammatory response, you and your healthcare provider can investigate the root cause. [1]
What do low globulin levels mean?
A decreased total globulin level might indicate an underlying issue with protein synthesis, such as malnutrition, or a congenital immune deficiency. [1]
If your total protein or globulin level is low, it may indicate a liver or kidney problem, or it may be that protein isn't being digested or absorbed properly. [2]
| Result | What the sources link it with |
|---|---|
| High (raised) globulin | Acute infection; chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis [1] |
| Low globulin | Malnutrition or another protein-synthesis issue; congenital immune deficiency [1]; a liver or kidney problem; protein not being digested or absorbed properly [2] |
Either way, a doctor can help interpret your result in the light of your symptoms, history and other blood results.
Can globulin levels fluctuate?
Yes. Your globulin levels are not static; they fluctuate in response to various internal and external factors.
This is why a single figure is best read alongside the rest of your report rather than on its own. If you are tracking a result over time, it helps to test at the same laboratory so the figures are directly comparable.
When might a globulin test be useful?
A globulin result can be useful when you or your doctor want a view of liver, kidney or immune health. A total protein test, which helps calculate globulin levels, can help diagnose a number of health conditions, including kidney disease and liver disease. [2]
Because globulins include your antibodies, an abnormal globulin level can also indicate a possible infection or inflammation. [1]
The Globulin Blood Test can help provide insight and may support informed conversations with a healthcare professional. It does not replace a consultation with your doctor.
How the Globulin Blood Test works at Clinilabs
- Book the Globulin Blood Test online, or walk in to our clinic at Foley Street, Fitzrovia, central London.
- A blood sample is taken at the clinic and analysed in our UKAS-accredited laboratory on site.
- Results are sent to you the same day.
- You can also choose to have your sample taken at one of our partner clinics when you book.
You receive the figure itself, so you can share it with your GP or another doctor who can help interpret it.
Frequently asked questions
What is serum globulin?
Serum globulin is the total of the globulin proteins in the liquid part of your blood. Subtracting albumin from the total serum protein leaves the total globulin level. [1]
What is the function of globulin?
Globulins have multiple different functions: the group includes immunoglobulins (antibodies), enzymes, carrier proteins, and complement proteins. [1]
Are globulins important in the immune system?
Yes. The gamma globulins are mostly immunoglobulins, the antibodies your immune system uses to fight off infections, such as IgG, IgA and IgM. [1]
What causes high globulin levels?
An increased total globulin level can be a sign of an acute infection or a chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. [1] A doctor can help work out the cause.
Where can I get a serum globulin level test in the UK?
Clinilabs offers a Globulin Blood Test at our walk-in clinic in Fitzrovia, central London, with results the same day. Partner clinics are also available at booking.
References
[1] Patient.info. (2024). Globulins. https://patient.info/doctor/investigations/globulins
[2] NHS. (2022). Total protein test. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/total-protein-test/
[3] Lab Tests Online UK. (n.d.). Total Protein Test. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/total-protein-test
