Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is cryoglobulin?
- When should I take cryoglobulin?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking cryoglobulin?
- Process
- What should I do before undergoing cryoglobulin?
- How does cryoglobulin process?
- What should I do after receiving cryoglobulin?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What is cryoglobulin?
During a cryoglobulin test, the doctor will take a blood sample which is then frozen within 72 hours. After that, the doctor will check for precipitation (precipitation. If the doctor detects any precipitation, the blood sample will be transferred quantitatively. The test ampoule will be warmed and the blood sample will be checked for the extent to which the precipitation has broken down. If this occurs, cryoglobulin is evident. Then The doctor will perform immune electrophoresis and quantitative IgA, IgG, IgM (immunoglobulin A, G, M) to classify cryoglobulins.
Cryoglobulin (cold globulin) is an abnormally complex globulin protein found in the blood of patients with different diseases. These proteins temporarily deposit at low temperatures (cold precipitation) and will decompose again when warmed. Proteins can settle in the blood vessels in the fingers when they are exposed directly to low temperatures. This precipitation causes blood to stick to the vessels.
When should I take cryoglobulin?
Cryoglobulin will not be detected in most healthy people, and cryoglobulin testing will not be routinely performed on patients who do not show any associated signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform tests when diagnosed with signs of purpuric disease, joint pain, or Raynaud's disease (sore, pale, cold fingers).
Other symptoms associated with increased cryoblogulin include:
- bruises
- sore muscles, joints
- muscle weakness, fatigue
- skin ulcers
- skin necrosis
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before taking cryoglobulin?
There are many forms of cryoglobulin, which fall into three groups:
- Group 1: monoclonal globulin
- Group 2: globulin mixture
- Group 3: polyclonal globulin
Each cryoglobulin group involves a different disease.
Most people who have cryoglobulin in their blood also have chronic hepatitis C. However, only about 3% of patients with hepatitis C have pathological cryoglobulin
Process
What should I do before undergoing cryoglobulin?
Your doctor will explain the creatinine test procedure. Your doctor may ask you to fast 8 hours before having the test. Fasting can reduce serum cloudiness caused by consumption of food, especially fat. A stained serum will prevent the test for detecting frozen deposition.
How does cryoglobulin process?
The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
- clean the area to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
- Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
- untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
- attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
- apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on
After that, the doctor will label the blood ampoule with a red cap to warm it to body temperature. Your doctor will show your age, weight, and height on a test pattern.
What should I do after receiving cryoglobulin?
An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm and will feel tight. You may not feel anything when you get the injection, or you may feel like you are stung or pinched. You may resume normal activities immediately after the test. You can remove the bandage after 20-30 minutes after the test. If the doctor finds cryoglobulin, you will be warned not to be exposed to cold temperatures and cold objects to minimize the symptoms of Rayaud disease. Wear gloves in cold weather.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
Normal result
Normal results will show the absence of cryoglobulin.
Abnormal results
Abnormal results will show:
- connective tissue disease (lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis)
- malignant lymphoid tumors (multiple myeloma, leukemia, Waldenstrom macroglobutin blood, lymph)
- acute and chronic infections (increased infection with mononucleosis, glomerulonephritis due to streptococcal infection)
- liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
Depending on your chosen laboratory, the normal range of the creatinine test may vary. Discuss any questions you have about your medical test results with your doctor.
