Alpha-2 globulin
What it measures, and what changes the number.
Alpha-2 globulin is one of the protein bands on serum protein electrophoresis. It contains mainly alpha-2 macroglobulin, haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin. The absolute amount is calculated by applying the band's share to the total protein result.
It is interpreted as part of the full electrophoresis pattern, together with albumin, the alpha-1, beta and gamma bands, and total protein. It is sometimes read next to CRP, since several proteins in this band change during inflammation.
Haptoglobin binds free hemoglobin, so a hemolyzed sample can alter this band. The electrophoresis technique and the lab's band boundaries also influence the figure. Labs may print it as Alfa 2 globulina.
Often read alongside: Alpha-2 globulin %, Alpha-1 globulin, Total protein, Albumin, CRP