Alpha-2 Macroglobulin
Alpha-2 Macroglobulin
The alpha-2 macroglobulin test measures alpha2 macroglobulin levels in the blood. Alpha-2 macroglobulin is a large plasma glycoprotein that acts as a protease inhibitor, regulating immune responses and inflammation. It inhibits a wide range of proteases, contributing to tissue homeostasis.
It is recommended to undergo this test to diagnose conditions such as nephrotic syndrome and pancreatitis
Symptoms of nephrotic syndrome
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Painful urination
Frequent urination
Muscle cramps or pain
Difficulty urinating
Fatigue
Unexplained swelling in different body parts
Symptoms of pancreatitis
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Fast heartbeat
Jaundice
Greasy, foul-smelling poop
What is the Alpha-2 Macroglobulin test used for?
Alpha-2 macroglobulin test is used to:
Evaluate patients with nephrotic syndrome
Diagnose pancreatitis
Monitor liver cirrhosis (as an indirect marker)
Test preparation
Preparation for the alpha-2 macroglobulin test may involve fasting, reviewing your medications, and adhering to specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider to obtain accurate test results
Interpretation of the Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
|
Age |
Reference range |
|
≤18 years |
178-495 mg/dL |
|
>18 years |
100-280 mg/dL |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
· Increased levels of alpha-2 macroglobulin may be caused due to cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, severe burns, and diabetes.
Decreased levels of alpha-2 macroglobulin may be caused due to pancreatitis, fibrinolysis, and liver disease
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the alpha-2 macroglobulin test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Usually, this procedure does not take more than 5 minutes
Are there any risks associated with the alpha-2 macroglobulin test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight soreness or tenderness around the site where the blood is drawn. Rarely, the site can become infected
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the alpha-2 macroglobulin test?
The alpha-2 macroglobulin test result is usually available within 2-3 working days after the sample collection. This duration may vary depending on the diagnostic clinic
What might affect my test results?
Several factors can impact alpha-2 macroglobulin test results, including age, nutritional status, and the presence of underlying conditions like liver disease, cancer, or kidney disorders. Additionally, certain medications such as corticosteroids, statins, may influence alpha-2 macroglobulin levels, emphasizing the need to consider these factors when interpreting the test results
What steps should someone take if their test results show elevated alpha-2 macroglobulin levels?
Consult a healthcare professional in order to undergo further assessment, which may involve additional examinations and a thorough evaluation of potential risks
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