Beta-1 globulin
What it measures, and what changes the number.
Beta-1 globulin is one of the protein bands seen on serum protein electrophoresis, a test that separates blood proteins by how they move in an electric field. The beta-1 band is made up mostly of transferrin, the iron carrying protein, along with some lipoproteins. This line gives the absolute amount, usually calculated from the band percentage and total protein.
It is read with the other electrophoresis fractions, including albumin and beta-2 globulin, and with total protein, from which it is derived. Transferrin results can also help explain this band.
The test is done on serum; a plasma sample adds fibrinogen, which can distort the beta region. Some methods split beta into two bands while others report one combined beta fraction. Reports may show it as Beta 1 globulinas.
Often read alongside: Beta-1 globulin %, Total protein, Albumin, Beta-2 globulin, Transferrin