1. Serum globulin electrophoresis process
Serum globulin electrophoresis is a laboratory test that is carried out to examine a
specific type of protein in the human blood called as the globulins. The globulins are a
family of globular proteins that are mostly produced in the liver and also some of them
are formed by the immune system of the human body. These proteins have a high water
solubility level and come in different sizes. These Serum Globulins help the humans in
the proper functioning of the various vital body functions and also to safeguard the
body against various diseases and infections. These substances are the important
constituents of human blood.
The serum globulin electrophoresis method is carried out by collecting blood samples
from different Serum Donor Locations and performing needed tests and examinations
on the donor samples. When the blood samples are collected the blood is kept for
clotting so that the liquid portion of the blood called serum is obtained. Once the serum
is collected this laboratory technique called Serum globulin electrophoresis is carried
out. In this method the collected serum is placed on a specially treated paper containing
agarose gel on it that is usually used to separate macromolecules and their fragments.
Now this paper along with the serum placed on it is exposed to an electric current. The
proteins present in the serum move on the paper and form bands indicating the amount
of each protein fraction due to the electric charge. Here all the serum proteins are
separated and five major fractions are formed. They are serum albumin, alpha-1
globulins, alpha-2 globulins, beta globulins, and gamma globulins. They also include
various types of antibodies such as immune globulins (Ig) M, G, and A.
2. This test is performed to look at various globulin proteins present in the human blood.
Identifying the types of globulins by Serum globulin electrophoresis can help diagnose
certain disorders and acute medical conditions. The separated serum proteins can be further
used to synthesize various vaccines, therapies and medicines that can help people suffering
various chronic diseases.
However, the reports obtained from this test will also identify the amount of globulins
proteins present in the individual human body, as an excess and scarce level of proteins
can lead to many medical disorders in the individual. Some of the conditions that are
generally traced with increased gamma globulin protein levels are chronic inflammatory
disease like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus,
Hyperimmunization, Multiple myeloma and many other acute infections. In such
conditions the separated proteins can be utilized either by transfusions or medical
substitutes formed by these substances.
Here are few concerns associated with this Serum globulin electrophoresis method. The
donors must not intake any food 4 hours prior to the test and must avoid drug intake if
any as these products may affect the test and produce inadequate reports. Also, the
donors that are giving their samples at Serum Donor Locations may experience little
pain or a stinging sensation as the blood is usually collected using a syringe. The pain
experience may differ from individual to individual. The medical staff present at the
Serum Donor Locations will however take care of this concern as minute fault can leave
the donor in many critical conditions like excessive bleeding, Infections and also fainting
at times. The medical staff must be professional in both collecting the blood samples as
well carrying out the entire process as little misconceptions can leave faulty reports.