Cryoglobulins Test

Cryoglobulins are abnormal and antibody proteins called immunoglobulins in medical terms. Cryoglobulins precipitate and separate out from the blood solution when the temperature goes below 98.6°F (37°C). Precipitated cryoglobulins reduce the flow of blood, and can block the minute blood vessels. Presence of acute quantities of Cryoglobulin in the blood stream may be normal, but it is generally associated with an abnormal rate of protein production due to some prevailing medical condition, and can cause symptoms such as rashes, joint pain and weakness. To accurately diagnose the medical disorders associated with increased levels of cryoglobulins in blood, it becomes mandatory to test the relative quantity of cryoglobulins present in the blood stream.

No specific preparation is required on the patient’s part. The lab has to be customized, majorly in terms of temperature control to correctly conduct the test. Only the labs equipped with heating and cooling equipment can be trusted to conduct this test.

The cryoglobulin test is generally conducted in the event of the symptoms of cryoglobulinemia showing up. This test helps diagnose the medical conditions such as Lyme Disease, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, kidney disorders, etc. Note that presence of Cryoglobulins is not specific for or diagnostic of any of these conditions. However, it is one of the indications of these diseases, and hence is helpful in diagnosis.

Test for cryoglobulins is a rather simple procedure, which is time consuming and temperature sensitive. Blood Sample Collection A small amount of blood is generally collected from a vein at the the rear side of elbow area. The area is cleaned using an antiseptic before sample collection, and an elastic band is used to pressurise the area and make the vein swell with blood. The sample is kept at a temperature more or less equivalent to the body temperature at the time of collection.

Testing After collection at body temperature, the blood sample is then refrigerated for about 72 hours to observe if any precipitates are formed. If precipitated, the amount of precipitates is calculated. The sample is then heated to see if the precipitates dissolve. If they do, presence of cryoglobulins is confirmed. Note: Cryoglobulins are temperature sensitive. Therefore, it’s important to maintain the requisite temperature range while collecting and processing the blood samples for cryoglobulin detection.