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.

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.