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Cryoglobulins
Cryoglobulins are abnormal antibody proteins. This article describes the blood test used to check for them.
In the laboratory, cryoglobulins come out of solution in blood when the blood sample is cooled below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). They dissolve again when the sample is warmed up.
Cryoglobulins come in three main types, but in 90% of cases, the cause is hepatitis C . The disease in which cryoglobulins are found is called cryoglobulinemia .
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...
Cryoglobulinemia
Cryoglobulinemia is the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood. These proteins thicken in cold temperatures.
How the Test is Performed
Because they are temperature sensitive, cryoglobulins are hard to accurately detect. The blood specimen must be collected in a special way, and the test should only be done in laboratories that are equipped for it. It is important that the laboratory allows the blood sample to clot and to spin it down at 37 degrees Celsius. It is a good idea to learn the correct method for testing so you can check with the lab to make sure they are following the proper procedure.
Blood is drawn from a vein. A vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand is used in most cases. Blood should NOT be drawn from a catheter that has heparin in it. 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. The vial should be at room or body temperature before it is used. Vials that are colder than room temperature may not give accurate results.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. The filled vial should immediately be placed in a temperature-controlled vessel to keep it at body temperature.
How to Prepare for the Test
You may want to call ahead to ask to have your blood drawn by a lab technician who has experience collecting blood for this test.
How the Test will Feel
Some people feel discomfort when the needle is inserted. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is most often done when a person has symptoms of a condition associated with cryoglobulins. Cryoglobulins are associated with cryoglobulinemia. They also occur in other conditions that affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system.
Normal Results
Normally, there are no cryoglobulins.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The example above shows the common measurement for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A positive test may indicate:
- Hepatitis (especially hepatitis C)
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Infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.
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Lymphoma
Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.
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Macroglobulinemia - primary
Macroglobulinemia - primary
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). WM is associated with the overproduction of protei...
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Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts in the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bone...
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Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease. It leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs....
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Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can af...
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Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
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Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels in the blood, high cholesterol levels, high tri...
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Risks
Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Ferri FF. Cryoglobulimenia. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2015. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:section 338-338.
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
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Cryoglobulinemia - of the fingers - illustration
Cryoglobulinemia is caused by an abnormal protein that is occasionally found in the blood of people with multiple myeloma, leukemia, and certain forms of pneumonia. It causes blood to gel at low temperatures. In this picture, cryoglobulinemia has reduced blood flow in the fingers so much the fingers have turned dark; the black areas are gangrene resulting from lack of blood flow.
Cryoglobulinemia - of the fingers
illustration
-
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
-
Cryoglobulinemia - of the fingers - illustration
Cryoglobulinemia is caused by an abnormal protein that is occasionally found in the blood of people with multiple myeloma, leukemia, and certain forms of pneumonia. It causes blood to gel at low temperatures. In this picture, cryoglobulinemia has reduced blood flow in the fingers so much the fingers have turned dark; the black areas are gangrene resulting from lack of blood flow.
Cryoglobulinemia - of the fingers
illustration
Review Date: 1/20/2015
Reviewed By: Gordon A. Starkebaum, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
