Beta-1 globulin %
What it measures, and what changes the number.
Beta-1 globulin % is the proportion of total serum protein found in the beta-1 band of serum protein electrophoresis. This band consists mainly of transferrin, the protein that carries iron, together with some lipoproteins.
It is read with the other electrophoresis fractions, such as albumin, beta-2 globulin and gamma globulin, and with total protein, which is used to turn the percentage into an absolute amount. Because it is a share, a change in another band can shift it.
Electrophoresis is performed on serum rather than plasma, since fibrinogen in plasma can appear in the beta region. Capillary and gel methods may split or combine the beta bands differently, so results are most comparable within one lab. Reports may list it as Beta 1 globulinas %.
Often read alongside: Beta-1 globulin, Total protein, Albumin %, Beta-2 globulin %, Transferrin