Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
Serum globulin electrophoresis is a laboratory test that looks at proteins called globulins in the blood.
See also:
Immunoelectrophoresis - serum Protein electrophoresis - serum
Alternative Names
Globulin electrophoresis
How the test is performed
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
Images
Review Date: 03/21/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and
Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab,
Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
